EXPERIENCED defenders Sam Oji and James Chambers are set to return as Worcester City aim to end their long wait for a Vanarama National League North victory at Alfreton Town today (3pm).

However, there are doubts over the fitness of midfielder Junior English who suffered a bang to the head following an “innocuous” clash in training.

Centre-back Oji is available after serving his three-match ban, while former West Brom ace Chambers has overcome a hamstring problem.

Assistant boss John Snape said it was a “massive plus” to have the duo back as 17th-placed City have been hampered by injuries and suspensions in recent weeks.

Captain Danny Jackman (back), attacking midfielder Micah Evans (calf), winger Connor Hughes (knee) and defender Tom Sharpe (knee) remain on City’s injury list, while striker Lee Hughes is suspended.

“Sam’s suspension has ended and Chambo should be ready,” he said. “James trained on Thursday night and there was no reaction so he should be available for selection.

“It is a massive plus as they are two very experienced players and what we need.”

The versatile Jordan Keane has played a starring role at the heart of the defence in their absence as City drew 0-0 against FC United of Manchester last Saturday and 1-1 at Curzon Ashton on Monday.

However, the 23-year-old looks set to move back into central midfield in place of English who will have a late fitness test at the Impact Arena.

“Jordan is a very versatile player with excellent work-rate and he will be in the side again,” Snape continued.

“But it depends on the Junior situation where he starts. Junior took a knock to his head in training. It was an innocuous clash as he was caught on the way down by a knee or an elbow.

“There will be a fitness test and we will go on medical advice.”

The Blue and Whites are on a run of eight matches without a win in the league and sit just four points above the drop zone.

But, having claimed back-to-back draws and a point from two games against high-flying Kidderminster Harriers over the festive period, Snape believes his side are making positive strides.

“People seem to forget we drew against Kidderminster and were on top in our last two games, particularly against FC United,” he said.

“We played very well at Curzon so we are hoping we can get the first goal and that can lead us to a solid win.”

Alfreton are one place below City in 18th and have conceded more goals than any other team in the division with 62, losing their last league game 6-3 at Harrogate Town.

They also suffered a heavy 5-3 defeat at Worcester in early September.

Snape added: “It will be a nice pitch at Alfreton so hopefully we can get it down and play against a side that like to attack.

“They like to score goals but they do concede a few too. It was a thriller last time out so we will see if we can get the right result again.”