STRIKER Colby Bishop and skipper Danny Jackman could feature in Worcester City’s “important” clash against third-from-bottom Bradford Park Avenue at Bromsgrove’s Victoria Ground today (3pm).

The duo are set to have late fitness tests ahead of the Vanarama National League North fixture where City will be aiming to pull eight points clear of the drop zone with a victory.

But the Blue and Whites will be without winger Connor Hughes and defender Tom Sharpe who have both sustained knee “damage” and could face long lay-offs.

Attacking midfielder Micah Evans is also expected to be ruled out as he continues to overcome a calf problem, while centre-back Sam Oji begins his three-match ban.

However, the return of Bishop will be a big boost for City as top scorer Lee Hughes will be suspended for four games after facing Avenue.

The 20-year-old frontman appeared to suffer a serious knee injury at York City last month but assistant boss John Snape said he had returned to training.

“Colby will have a fitness test today which is a plus,” he said.

“He won’t be fit to start but hopefully he will make the bench.

“He trained for 45 minutes on Thursday night. He felt OK and had no reaction but we just need to reassess it because we don’t want him to be out long term.

“We were worried he could be out for a while but hopefully he can get through the games in January and rebuild his match sharpness.”

Snape hopes experienced midfielder Jackman, who suffered a back injury in City’s 0-0 draw against Harriers on Boxing Day, will play a part but Evans is struggling.

“Danny was unable to train on Thursday due to his back,” Snape continued.

“We will reassess that but we will be sensible.

“I don’t think Micah will be available. Hopefully he will be back for the FC United game next Saturday.”

With centre-backs Sharpe and Oji out, 36-year-old James Chambers looks set to make his first start since early September.

“We don’t want to rush him back unless we have to but hopefully he feels OK and is ready to start,” Snape said. “We trained with him to fulfil a position in the side but we will see how he is.

“He looks OK but we don’t want him to break down again.”

Connor Hughes has “bruising” to his knee and Snape says the 23-year-old “can’t do anything for seven to 10 days”.

Snape also fears Sharpe, who is set to be assessed by physio Ruddi Farquharson today, may have “cartilage damage”.

“I don’t want to fear the worst but we want to make sure we get the best medical advice,” he added.

With so many injuries, former Worcester midfielder Snape confirmed City were looking to bring in a new face, admitting they had “a couple of irons in the fire”.

But he insisted he was “confident” they had enough “experience” and “know-how” in their squad to see off Avenue who have registered five league wins since losing 3-0 at home to Worcester in September.

“The aim is to get three points against a team below us,” said Snape whose side are 17th, five points above the bottom three.

“It is an important month as we are playing a lot of teams in and around us so it is a case of getting some points on the board and getting ourselves clear of that pack.”