Accrington Stanley have announced that their striker, Billy Kee, is undergoing specialist treatment for depression, anxiety and bulimia.
Kee has not played for the Sky Bet League One club during the current campaign and did not report back for pre-season training earlier this summer due to 'personal reasons'.
The 28-year-old has spoken candidly in the past about his personal struggles. On Tuesday, his club released a statement regarding his absence.
'Billy Kee would like to thank everyone for their ongoing messages of support as he battles depression, anxiety and bulimia,' said the club on their official website.
'The striker has spoken out over the years about his ongoing issues but over the summer he has deteriorated and has been unable to return to play football for the Reds this season.
'He is currently under specialist treatment and the club is doing what it can to support Billy, who has been an integral part of the side both on and off the pitch for a number of years.'
The striker, who started out with Leicester City, returned to Accrington for a second spell in the summer of 2015. Kee had spent a season on loan with the club during the 2009-10 campaign.
Kee has also had spells at Torquay United, Scunthorpe United and Burton Albion. The former Northern Ireland Under 21 international made 117 appearances for the Brewers during his four seasons with the club.
Kee netted 13 league goals last season, earning the Reds a respectable mid table finish. Stanley have won one of their opening six games in League One this season.