LET'S keep our fingers crossed that Worcester City stay reasonably free of injuries next season.

Because while there is no doubt that City house enough talent to mount a serious Nationwide North title bid, they cannot overcome a packed treatment room.

Of course, other teams are in exactly the same boat. Whether a side is chasing promotion or staving off relegation, injuries are the biggest danger to shaping a successful campaign.

But the prospect of losing two, three or four players at a time poses a striking threat to Worcester's challenge.

Just think about it. At the same time, last season's top scorer Adam Webster breaks a foot, summer signing Graham Hyde dislocates a shoulder and Danny McDonnell punctures a lung and breaks ribs, which happened to the goalkeeper twice last season.

All three would be out for two months and more. It does not bear thinking about, but these things can happen. The reason it would hit City harder than most is due to their sheer lack of numbers.

Including boss Andy Preece, there are just 18 recognised first-team squad members, a relatively small set-up compared to the league's bigger spenders.

"It is that little bit of strength in depth that concerns me," said Preece. "That is probably the only worry I have. I think we've got the ability in the team, but we need that bit of luck with injuries.

"If we lose players like Shabir Khan, Chris Smith or Graham Hyde, then we are looking at a totally different season to one we otherwise have."

Preece has no qualms plugging the gaps if the odd player is sidelined through injury. There is enough versatility to cope, even in the full-back areas.

Thankfully, wing-backs Les Hines and Rob Warner were almost ever-present last season. But if they break down this term, there is cover on both flanks.

New-boys Chris Smith and Des Lyttle, both of whom will patrol Worcester's three-man defence, can operate soundly on the right, while left-footers Khan and, to a lesser extent, Liam McDonald are capable of roaming the other wing.

If one of the recognised centre-halves does shift to full-back, there is no hole with Barry Woolley the fourth defender. Only when two back-line members are absent does Preece have a major head-scratching situation on his hands. In midfield, there is less of a dilemma with six players on the books. The toughest poser for Preece will be finding his best combination in the centre of the park.

But a potential injury problem to his attack is a cause of concern. Losing Webster or Leon Kelly, last season's red-hot strike partnership, for any considerable stretch of time will damage City's chances.

Who will score the goals if they are missing? Veteran Preece has a proud record down the years at Football League level, but the 38-year-old's legs are getting no younger and he is yet to score a competitive goal since returning to St George's Lane as boss.

Likewise, teenage rookie James Smith is still to net his first league strike for City. The Webster-Kelly combination, therefore, is one Worcester supporters will hope does not fall foul of injury.

The same could be said of McDonnell, arguably one of the best non-league 'keepers around. Preece has pinned his faith on youngster Lewis Skyers to deputise in goal when the time comes.

But there is no bettering the club's number one stopper in top form.