Simon Rodger may quit football in two months if he fails to recover from his long-term knee problem.

The Albion midfielder, 32, has been sidelined for ten months after rupturing anterior cruciate ligaments in his left knee.

He has ruled himself out of the season's opener at Reading on August 7 after a double setback.

His recovery has been hampered by blood blisters on the side of the injured knee and calf trouble.

A minor operation six weeks ago removed the blisters and the calf complaint which flared up a fortnight ago has subsided.

Rodger will start training outdoors this week but has admitted the fight for fitness is sapping his morale.

Rodger said: "It sometimes gets you down being unable to get back to playing. I have thought 'is it worth it?'

"My wife has helped to pick me up but I'm sure she will tell you I've been a nightmare at times. I get fed up. I have good days when I go home buzzing when training has gone well and the knee feels good. Yet the next time it feels stiff and horrible.

"I've never had a knee injury before and this is all new. The blisters are a rare condition. My surgeon told me he has only known three similar cases in ten years. Just my luck!

"Then I got calf trouble which stopped me as well. It's one thing after another. I am gutted by what has happened to me. It's been annoying and frustrating to spend ten months out.

"All I can do is continue to put in the work with Malcolm Stuart (Albion physio). I'll get outside to do some running and see how the knee feels. It might swell up the next day or it might not. We'll just have to see.

"I've got no chance of playing in the Reading game. I haven't kicked a ball for God knows how long. My comeback is a long way off. I'll give it a shot but I'll know if the knee is not right and if it isn't, I'll knock it on the head and call it a day.

"It'll be a tough call because I've been looking forward to playing again. But that's football. I'll make that decision in a couple of months."

Rodger began his Albion career in October, 2002 and made 34 League starts before injuring his knee against Middlesbrough last September.

Rodger, who spent 12 years with Crystal Palace, said: "I did all right injury-wise at Brighton when I came. I didn't miss too many matches and I was enjoying my football with my local club."

The former Shoreham schoolboy said: "I hope I'll be smiling again in a couple of months."

Stuart praised Rodger's work ethic. He said: "It's been so hard for him because he has been out for so long but these kind of problems usually take a year to sort out. He has been a good professional throughout, has stayed motivated and works hard."

Stuart, meanwhile, says Paul Reid (thigh) and David Lee (calf) are making good progress and will soon be training.