CROCKED Worcester City midfielder Connor Gater could go under the knife in a bid to repair his problematic toe.

Gater was a key figure in manager Carl Heeley’s side last season as he featured 37 times for the National League North club.

However, the 24-year-old, who made a couple of appearances in pre-season, has been sidelined so far this campaign after feeling discomfort with one of his toes.

Gater is set for further treatment but, if the issue does not clear up after an injection, Heeley revealed he would need to have an operation.

“Connor has got to have an injection in his foot to try to clear up this problematic thing with his toe and hopefully he will get back,” Heeley said.

“If the injection does not clear it up, then it’s going to mean surgery unfortunately. I am not exactly sure what caused it.

“He has been speaking to our physio and a surgeon and they have said let’s try to clear it up with an injection first.

“It is (frustrating for him) but that’s football and the way it goes sometimes.

“People pick up injuries. Sometimes they are nothing but other times they niggle and carry on. Hopefully, the injection will clear it up.”

Midfielder Junior English was ruled out of Worcester’s 3-2 defeat to Nuneaton Town at the weekend due to a back injury.

But Heeley is hopeful the former Solihull Moors stalwart will be back for his side’s FA Cup tie against Brackley Town at Bromsgrove's Victoria Ground on Saturday (3pm).

Experienced defender James Chambers, who has not played since tearing his hamstring on his debut against Gainsborough Trinity earlier this month, is also expected to return to full training ahead of the third qualifying round clash.

After a hectic schedule, which has seen City play a string of midweek games, Heeley said he was pleased to have extra time this week for his “tired” players to recover.

“It looked like it was one game too far for us (on Saturday),” said Heeley, whose side had been on a six-match unbeaten run in September before losing to Nuneaton.

“It’s been hectic playing Saturday-Tuesday, Saturday-Tuesday and I think we did look tired and lethargic on a pitch where the ball was not travelling.

“It was getting stuck under people’s feet and they (Nuneaton) dealt with it better than us.

“But we have got to try to whip it from the memory and move on to the next game.”

Heeley added: “Junior has got a problem with his back but hopefully he will be OK for the weekend.

“James should be back to full training, so we will see how he fares.”