Elvins injury leaves Heeley short at back (From Worcester News)

Elvins injury leaves Heeley short at back

7:00am Thursday 26th August 2010

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ROB Elvins is facing up to six weeks on the sidelines for Worcester City after breaking a bone in his foot.

Elvins, top-scorer last season but now playing in defence, suffered the injury in Monday’s 3-2 Blue Square Bet North victory over Hinckley United.

City had hoped the problem was not too serious but an X-ray has revealed the break and he is now likely to be out until the end of September.

It has handed manager Carl Heeley a double defensive blow as Shabir Khan’s knee injury is set to rule him out of both Saturday’s trip to Stafford Rangers and Monday’s visit of Solihull Moors.

The situation is not helped by assistant-player manager Mark Clyde continuing to struggle with sore ribs and an Achilles problem.

However, Tom Evans, replaced on Monday after sustaining a head injury, and fellow defender Graham Ward, who missed the match through concussion, are both ready to return.

Heeley said: “Rob has broken a bone in his foot, which is a major blow.

“The initial estimate is between four and six weeks. Anything sooner than that will be a bonus.

“Shab’s knee is very badly swollen and he can’t put any weight on it so he’s not looking like he’s got a chance for the weekend.

“It leaves us a little bit light at centre-half because both Rob and Shab could have played there and Mark is struggling a bit with his ribs and Achilles.

“It’s a big blow for us but we can’t do anything about it. We can’t afford to carry a huge squad.”

Heeley has not ruled out bringing in cover but he has the option of using Jamie Price at left-back and former Swindon Town youngster Evans in the centre.

Potential problems could arise should Clyde’s current injuries, as well as the former Northern Ireland international’s long-standing knee complaint, prevent him from playing in both matches over the bank holiday.

But the City boss is trying to remain upbeat as his team look to build on three wins from their opening four fixtures.

He said: “As much as this is a setback, we have still taken nine points from a possible 12 and are really pleased with that.

“We have got to keep our feet on the ground. We have had a good start but things can change very quickly.

“We will have to look at our options.”