Newcastle midfielder Kieron Dyer has revealed that his battle against frustrating injury and illness left him feeling "suicidal".
The 26-year-old's recovery from hamstring and other muscle problems has been complicated by illness.
Dyer said: "I was suicidal after the West Brom game when I broke down injured again.
"I was at an all-time low, that's when the physio, the manager and my family stepped in and kept supporting me."
Dyer has started only two games for Newcastle this season and his last appearance was at The Hawthorns on 30 October.
That has placed his chances of making the England squad for next summer's World Cup in Germany in jeopardy.
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Everyone now has an explanation as to why I kept breaking down. It has taken the pressure off
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Dyer has spent a productive two weeks at the British Olympic Medical Centre and said: "I hope to be back sooner rather than later."
The England midfielder's recovery has not been helped by a side effect of the drugs to treat his illness, which render him more prone to muscle injuries.
Dyer added: "I have obviously had a medical problem that the fans don't know about. They just kept seeing me break down and they are frustrated by it but didn't know the full story.
"Now they do. It was a blessing that the club issued a statement so that everyone now has an explanation as to why I kept breaking down. It has taken the pressure off.
"I want to get back as soon as possible. The team have been struggling and I know I can help when I'm fit."
Dyer was scheduled to return to training with Newcastle last Monday but following his latest setback he will remain at the BOMC in Harrow.