INFLUENTIAL striker Mike Symons is hoping he could be fit to return to the Worcester City team in “two to three weeks”.

The 28-year-old, whose hold-up play is a major asset for Carl Heeley’s side, injured his ankle in the first-half of Saturday’s 2-1 victory at Gainsborough Trinity and looked set to be facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

But Symons remains optimistic after an X-ray showed no break and the forward also believes he has not torn his ligaments.

Although ruled out of Saturday’s FA Cup third qualifying round clash at Leamington (3pm), Symons reckons it won’t be too long before he is back in action.

The forward, who missed two games last month with a back injury, said: “They said it wasn’t a break and that I overstretched the ligaments. It’s not as bad as first thought.

“I am not 100 per cent sure when I will be back but hopefully it will be only two to three weeks. I will have to see how it feels.

“The back injury was when I got stamped on against Lowestoft and that kept me out for a couple of games.

“This has set me back a bit, which is frustrating, but hopefully it will only be for a couple of weeks.

“It was a fantastic win for the lads, we have got a great togetherness throughout the team and played really well. It was great to get our first away win of the season.”

But Symons is another addition to the casualty list with a key FA Cup encounter just days away.

His place could go to summer signing Nick Wright, who replaced him at Gainsborough.

Veteran centre-half Wayne Thomas has missed the last two games with a back injury although he is making progress.

Winger Tristan Dunkley is sidelined after dislocating his shoulder in the previous round of the cup against Rugby.

Captain Ellis Deeney has sat out the last three games through suspension but is free to return this weekend.

Manager Heeley said: “It’s a big blow to lose any player but it’s part of the game. We don’t seem to get the greatest fortune with injuries.

“It’s good that Mike is walking on it and let’s hope that it’s not as bad as first feared.”

City’s supporters’ club are running a bus to the cup match at Leamington.

Seats cost £10 and people can call Keith Chambers to book on 01905-358193 or 07712-457698.