THE sickening injury hoodoo that haunts Bury FC's Matt Barrass has struck again.

The versatile defender has been ruled out for six weeks after picking up another knee problem in training.

It's the latest in a long line of setbacks for the Bury-born player and one that is bound to cast doubt on his Gigg Lane career.

Along with striker Gareth Seddon, Barrass was only offered a three month contract in the summer in the hope he could prove his problems were over.

With that in mind Wednesday's scan results will be the last thing the 23-year-old needed.

"It's a massive blow for the lad and so hard to see it happen to him," said Shakers boss Andy Preece.

"Nobody has worked harder than Matt during the summer to get fit for this season.

"He came on against Kidderminster and did a great job in midfield helping us to our first win.

"It's a cartilage problem and a bit of his old trouble but on the plus side the surgeons are very positive about it.

"It's something he can definitely come back from but it's just bad timing given he is on a short term deal with us.

"We're just going to have to monitor the situation but it's a big blow to everyone at the club."