MANAGER Carl Heeley admits he is “surprised” how long it is taking captain Danny Jackman to overcome his back problem.

After Jackman was forced off in City’s Boxing Day clash against Kidderminster Harriers, Heeley expected the experienced midfielder to be back in action “after a week”.

But almost a month later the 34-year-old is still sidelined, missing Worcester’s last five games including their 0-0 draw at Alfreton Town on Saturday.

Heeley confirmed the “knee in the back” Jackman suffered had led to “bone bruising” and “a lot of discomfort”.

But he said it was “hard to say” when the ex-Gillingham and Northampton Town player would return and help 16th-placed City steer clear of the relegation zone in Vanarama National League North.

“Danny is still struggling with his back,” Heeley said. “He tried to run the other evening but was still getting a lot of discomfort.

“It is taking longer than expected. You expect a little knee in the back not to be a major problem but it is proving to be far more of an issue than we first thought.”

Worcester-born Jackman has made 17 appearances this season and been an influential figure in the side.

“I thought he would be back after a week but he isn’t and that’s a surprise to me,” Heeley added.

“It just needs to settle down but when there is bone bruising it is hard to say (when he will be back).”

Veteran defender James Chambers was in line to play at the Impact Arena at the weekend after recovering from a hamstring injury.

But Heeley was left cursing his luck when the 36-year-old was ruled out following a collision in training which resulted in midfielder Junior English going to hospital.

“Junior fell over and as he tumbled he got kneed in the head by James,” Heeley explained.

“Junior had to go to hospital and have his head glued together but he turned up on Saturday and said he was fit.

“But unfortunately James has injured his knee. That might seem funny from the outside but it just goes to shows you can’t get unluckier than that.”

After a third successive draw the Blue and Whites will be looking to end a run of nine games without a league win at Gloucester City on Saturday (3pm).

Heeley said he did not know “the extent of the damage” to Chambers’ knee but winger Connor Hughes, attacking midfielder Micah Evans and centre-back Tom Sharpe remain on the treatment table.

Hughes and Sharpe have sustained knee injuries which may require surgery, while Evans continues to struggle with his calf complaint.

“James injured his knee after an impact with Junior’s head and I don’t know the extent of the damage yet,” Heeley added.

“I would say there is no chance for Micah and Connor (for the trip to Gloucester).

“Micah did have a light training session but then the calf flared up again.”