Airdrieonians striker John Boyle has been told to start preparing for next season rather than push himself to make his comeback.
The 27-year-old had a knee operation in September and returned to action in a Reserve League Cup tie last month but felt discomfort a few days later.
Manager Gary Bollan said: “John is doing plenty of rehabilitation work and is stepping things up but there is no point in rushing him.
“It will be next season before he is ready so he can train over the pre-season and take things from there as opposed to rushing for a few minutes of football this season.”