INJURY-stricken Graham Hyde has revealed his frustration at missing a sizeable chunk of Worcester City's season.
Not since the December 10 Nationwide North draw against Worksop Town has skipper Hyde led City from the start of a game.
A virus left the veteran midfielder on the sick-bed during Worcester's festive schedule, while Hyde will miss the next two away games at Gainsborough and Hinckley due to a groin injury.
"It's been one thing after another over the last month or so," said Hyde, 35. "I struggled with a virus for nine or 10 days and missed every game over Christmas.
"When I came back in training and reserve games, I then felt my groin playing up.
"Every player will tell you there's nothing worse than watching from the sidelines. It's worse for me, especially at my age when I've not got time on my side. I want to be playing as much as I can.
"I hope it's nothing to do with my age! I had a full season at Hereford last year and never missed a game. At Bristol Rovers, I probably missed one week in two years. It's disappointing that it's come about now."
Third-from-bottom City face a challenge staving off relegation after collecting, on average, a single point per game this season.
After watching team-mates struggle at the wrong end of the table and dumped out of the FA Trophy at Crawley, Hyde is desperate to shake off his latest setback and inject a timely captain's contribution to Worcester's cause.
Hyde added: "I want to be out there helping the team. It's frustrating that I've not been able to help.
"My focus is to get back in the team and push us up the league.
"I'll still miss another couple of games. The groin has not got better and I need to give it a week or 10 days to hopefully settle it down."
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