GOALKEEPER Joel Dixon has suffered another setback in his recovery from last year's season-ending knee injury.

The Barrow AFC stopper, who is on a short-term three-month deal with the Bluebirds, has not played since being hurt in the 3-0 win over Guiseley last November.

Issues with his knee ligaments required surgery which saw Dixon sidelined for the remainder of the campaign, but he returned to join up with a squad at the start of pre-season.

A problem with a build-up of fluid on the joint led to fears his absence would be extended, before he was given a boost when it turned out not to be as serious an issue on a visit to St George's Park.

Dixon was even able to train with the Barrow squad before the pre-season match-up with Nottingham Forest Under-23s and looked set to be available early in the season.

However, a new issue with the knee has arisen, which will require an injection and will keep him out of action until at least the end of August.

Barrow AFC boss Paul Cox, who has been liaising closely with physio Matt Butterfield on the issue, said: “Joel was given positive news at St George's but there has been another relapse. The physio has told me he has had another reaction in his knee, and he will need an injection.

“He won't be ready until at least the end of August, in the best-case scenario.”

Another player on a short-term deal at Holker Street, Andy Parry, will undergo further surgery on his knee, which will rule him out for a further two months.