MATTY HUGHES will do everything he can to return from a season-ending knee injury better than ever.

Hughes was hitting top form when he heard a "pop" in his knee against Hereford two weeks ago, and despite hoping that he'd be back sooner rather than later an MRI scan confirmed the 26-year-old had torn his ACL.

With ACL injuries typically taking between six to nine months, Hughes is resigned to the fact that his 2018/19 season has been brought to an unwanted and abrupt end.

"I'm devastated. Absolutely devastated," declared Hughes. "I thought I'd be out for a few weeks, but to find out my season is over is devastating. I'm gutted."

Hughes went for a scan last Wednesday before he found out the bad news 24 hours later.

"My first thought was 'when am I back playing football'," continued Hughes. "I've got to speak with a consultant and I'm seeing the surgeon on Thursday and they will make a decision over whether I need an operation or not, but it's likely that I will have to have one.

"It's hard to get my head around the news. It shouldn't be too bad, but I've never suffered any injury like this, so I don't know what will happen.

"It's the mental side of the injury that's tough to deal with, but I will do everything I can to make sure I am back as good as I was.

"It takes time to get your head around, but I'm ready now to do what is needed to get back playing football."

One weight off Hughes' mind came in the shape of Chester's joint-managerial duo, Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley, who want the striker to play his part over the remainder of the season, even if that is away from the cut and thrust of match days.

"When I found out they told me not to worry about anything," explained Hughes. "They want me around the squad, which was good to here.

"They've already said to clear my mind of everything and concentrate on getting fit again.

"Injuries are part and parcel of football and I'm optimistic about the rehab, but gutted all the same."

Outside of football, the injury will disrupt Hughes' personal life with a partner and three daughters, while his labouring job is on the "back-burner".

"Football is what I do," said Hughes, who joked: "My partner is already threatening to kick me out of the house!"

On the pitch, Hughes is a hard working, never-say-die character, so it perhaps comes as no surprise to find out he went into work yesterday.

"Work have been good with me," said Hughes. "My boss understands that I play football and that I'm going to be off for a while.

"I went in for a couple of hours yesterday, but it was too weak and painful. When I stand up it feels really weak and It's up to me to get it strong again."