GRAHAM Hutchison looks set to have an X-ray on his jaw after being hit in the face by a “thunderous strike”.

The 23-year-old centre-back sustained the injury midway through the first half of City’s 1-0 defeat at Stockport County on Monday.

After putting his body on the line to block Scott Duxbury's powerful shot, Hutchison went down immediately holding his face before receiving treatment.

The former Birmingham City youngster returned to the field, but did not last long before being replaced by Andy Gallinagh.

Manager Carl Heeley said: “He could not bite his teeth together, so we are going to have a look at that and maybe get an X-ray on his jaw.

“He has taken a thunderous strike in the face. We thought he would be able to carry on, but he couldn’t.”

Heeley also revealed winger Nathan Olukanmi had sustained a hamstring strain and former Grimsby Town stopper Nick Draper had a “shoulder problem”, meaning City could not field a goalkeeper on the bench against Stockport.

City's boss hopes experienced defender Sam Oji, who was forced off with a knock to his knee against Chorley last weekend, will be available for Saturday's home clash against Gainsborough Trinity. 

Midfielder Connor Gater was among the replacements at Edgeley Park after recovering from his toe issue, which ruled him out for much of pre-season and the start of the campaign.

But Heeley said he was still working his way back to full fitness along with centre-back Kieran Morris, who suffered a broken hand.

“Kieran has still got his hand in a brace and Connor is not match fit,” Heeley said.

“I didn’t want to use him on Monday unless it was forced upon us, but that’s what we have got available to us at the moment because of the injuries.”