JON Holloway could be out for a month after Worcester City boss John Barton revealed his groin injury was worse than first feared.

The defender picked up a groin strain in Saturday's defeat at Nuneaton and is facing between two and four weeks on the sidelines.

Captain Carl Heeley is also struggling with a thigh injury and Barton could be forced to line up against rivals Weymouth on October 18 with just one fit central defender in the shape of Barry Woolley.

City are without a game on Saturday due to their early FA Cup exit but even with an extra week's grace before the arrival of the Terras, Barton is not confident of either player being fit.

"If there was a game on Saturday then there would be no chance for either of them," said Barton.

"They are both struggling but more so Jon whose groin was more painful last night.

"If I had to put money on it I would say Carl has a better chance of being fit to face Weymouth. I might be wrong but he showed a greater improvement last night than Jon.

"Jon's is the more serious and depending on the healing process it could be going on for three or four weeks.

"We're pleased to have Barry Woolley back in harness but that still leaves us struggling for another central defender for Saturday week and that's worrying."

City trained last night but a 'flu bug laid low Mark Owen, Liam McDonald and Danny McDonnell while Allan Davies (thigh), Paul Carty (knee) and David Foy all have little knocks.

The forthcoming free weekend has come as a blessing admits Barton.

"The fact we've got a free week has done us a bit of good because it's not the fullest of squads and we've picked up a few niggles," he added. "However we've just got to get on with it."