RYAN Mason faces another extended spell on the sidelines after suffering a relapse of an ankle injury less than 48 hours after returning to full fitness.

The on-loan Tottenham midfielder, who hasn’t played for Swindon Town since limping out of the 3-1 victory over Shrewsbury Town on January 25, pulled up in training on Friday complaining about his ankle and will not be available for at least the immediate future.

Mason, who has also endured a calf injury and a side strain this season, has made 22 appearances for the Robins this term but has been plagued by a string of bumps and knocks along the way. He only made his comeback to training on Thursday following his most recent lay-off.

Manager Mark Cooper told the Advertiser he does not expect to be able to select the 22-year-old for either the visit of Crawley Town tomorrow or the trip to Crewe Alexandra at the weekend.

“He’s had a relapse of his ankle injury. He trained for two days and then pulled out of training (on Friday). His ankle was sore,” Cooper said. “We will have to have a chat with the doctor and the physio and decide what we do.

“It’s a nightmare for him because he must be distraught, wondering what’s happening. At the moment he struggles to get through without picking up the tiniest of injuries. Somewhere along the line I’m sure he’ll get a run of games.”

Mason was one of eight key first-teamers who were absent from Town’s 2-0 defeat to Leyton Orient on Saturday. Lloyd James scored two penalties for the O’s to send the east London side top of League One.