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The 23-year-old strained medial ligaments in his left knee 12days ago and, after consultation with a specialist, initial fears were he would be out for between eight and 10 weeks.
However, the former Kettering Town man is renowned for being a quick healer and could be back in early March - possibly in time for the Third Division trip to face Macclesfield at Moss Rose on March 2.
"To say I was gutted when I was injured is the biggest understatement,"
conceded Butcher. "The specialist told me I was looking at two months or more, but I'm a quick healer and I'm optimistic I can be back in five weeks.
"Thankfully the ligaments weren't torn which would have meant surgery.
"The knee is still sore, but I'm hoping I can get on a bike on Monday which
will be great.
"At the moment I'm going in for treatment and all I can do is press-ups and
sit-ups. It's boring, but at least I'll have a good body for the beach in
the summer!"
Butcher - who has scored seven goals this season - suffered the injury in
training and immediately knew it was serious.
"I just turned on the artificial surface, the knee gave way and I felt
something snap," said Butcher.
"I was in tears, not because of the pain but because I knew it was serious.
"I've never had injuries before.
"But on Boxing Day I picked up a dead leg at Boston and then, because the
muscle was weak, it developed into a thigh strain.
"They say things come in threes so I'm hoping this is it.
"It's hard being away from the lads, but it is making me appreciate how
lucky I am to be a footballer.
"I share digs with Chris Cornelly and he's helping me through it. His injury
is far worse than mine and it will take him months to come back from a knee
reconstruction.
"I was speaking to Paul Smith earlier in the week as well.
"He's been forced to retire due to his back injury, so at least I know I
will be returning soon.
"I was looking forward to all the big games this month, but now it's about
being ready for what hopefully will be our push for promotion."