A footballer beaten and left for dead while on holiday has not been told of the attack that left him in a coma for two weeks.

Robert Hughes, 27, who joined Sutton United in February, has since started to walk after the assault outside a nightclub in Malia, Crete on June 17.

But his brother David, 36, said the family have yet to tell him how he got his injuries – caused when he was jumped on by thugs who kicked him to the ground, stamped on his head and bottled him.

David said: “For him personally I think it is better that we talk about positive things and how we can get him back to a fit state again, not concentrating on subjects that are negative and upsetting.

“We talk a lot about football and coaching and I think that motivates him to get better.

“It’s difficult to describe what it is like to see him like this – I had a brother who has gone from being a top athlete to needing constant care.

He said: “At one point we thought he was never going to wake up and that he would be a vegetable but he has improved and that is a real sign of strength. He understands how serious his injuries are, but we keep reassuring him that it will be OK.’’ David has quit as manager of Central Midlands Premier Division side Blidworth Welfare FC to help care for his brother while he remains in hospital in Crete.

He said an operation on Robert’s skull had to be postponed until his body was ready to cope.

After the attack Robert had suffered several skull fractures and had to have parts removed to ease the pressure on his swollen, bleeding brain. The next operation would be to put the remaining skull parts back in.

David said: “The club have been very supportive and understand that I want to dedicate as much time as I can to help Rob.

“I last saw him about a week ago and the operation had to be postponed until conditions are right.

“We hope that after the operation he will be able to continue his recovery back in the UK but even then he will need lots and lots of rehabilitation.’’ Robert, who has three other brothers and three sisters, played for Croydon Athletic last season, before joining Sutton United in February and was about to sign for Bromley FC where he was also going to be working as a fitness instructor.

David said Robert was surrounded by his girlfriend Charlotte Kent, 25, and his parents Margaret and David who have moved to Malia to be by his side.

In a message posted on the Sutton FC website, Robert’s mother said: “As a family we feel very lost and alone as we are still in Greece nine weeks later and Robert still has to undergo at least one more brain operation to try and place the skull back without the pressure rising.

“Robert’s recovery will be slow and today we were told because of his injuries it could be at least three to four more weeks before the fourth operation can take place.

“As a family we want to thank you all for not only your ongoing support but also the kind words and good wishes that you have sent in our hour of need.’’ Five men arrested over the attack have been allowed to travel back to their homes in Surrey and Sussex without charge.

The family have been advised that the five suspects could be extradited to Greece to face trial.