WORCESTER City’s players will have the chance to rest up this weekend as manager Carl Heeley braces his side for a “hectic” winter.

City were scheduled to play on Saturday, but, due to Curzon Ashton’s exploits in the Emirates FA Cup, the Vanarama National League North fixture has been moved to Monday, November 28.

While Curzon visit Westfields in the first round proper, City, who were knocked out in the third qualifying round stage earlier this month, are set to use the day to recharge their batteries.

And Heeley said the break also allowed his troops to spend valuable time with their families.

“There are no plans (to meet up on Saturday),” said Heeley, whose side return to league action on Saturday, November 12, when they host AFC Telford United.

“We have got four training sessions over the next two weeks, so there are benefits to it.

“But you can over-train players and you can get together too often.

“Sometimes it’s best to give them that opportunity to spend the day or the weekend with their families, so that’s the plan.”

Worcester ended October on a high as they claimed a convincing 3-0 victory over Altrincham last Saturday to climb to 12th place.

Following their weekend off, City will take on Telford, Salford City and Curzon as well as an FA Trophy third qualifying round tie in November.

They are then due to play eight games over the course of December and January.

Heeley added: “You have got to play 42 league games.

“We did look at bringing a fixture forward (on Saturday) as it is always nice to keep that momentum going.

“But it also gives you can opportunity to try to drill things into training and it’s nice for the boys to have a break with their families because, certainly coming up to Christmas, it’s hectic and there will be plenty of games of football to play.”

Centre-back Graham Hutchison had to be replaced on 17 minutes against Altrincham at the weekend after sustaining “two nasty cuts” near his eye.

Heeley confirmed the 23-year-old went to hospital, but he is hopeful Hutchison will be back in contention to face Telford.

“Hutch has got a cut under and above his eye lid, so he’s got two nasty cuts,” he said.

“He went to hospital to get them stitched up.

“It would have been touch and go for Saturday, but we have got a two week break now, so I would expect him to be fine.”

City’s boss also revealed experienced striker Steven Craig is struggling with a groin problem and veteran defender James Chambers is rehabbing his hamstring.

“Steve trained in the week and he was looking really sharp, but he strained his groin with about 10 minutes of training to go, so hopefully it is not too bad and we will soon have him back available for selection,” Heeley added.

“James is rehabbing, so nothing has changed with him.

“It (the two week break) helps, but I think he will need more than that.”