JUNIOR English will “struggle” to return to action before the end of the season, admits Worcester City caretaker manager John Snape.

The former Solihull Moors stalwart was ruled out of City’s 1-0 defeat at AFC Telford United last Saturday with a hamstring injury.

Snape said it would be a “massive bonus” if Worcester could get English back on the pitch as they battle to avoid relegation from Vanarama National League North with five matches to go.

But the 31-year-old midfielder, who has played up front in recent weeks, is believed to have suffered a grade two tear and Snape said club physio Ruddi Farquharson did not rate his chances of a return.

“If Junior could play, he would strap himself up and go out there as that’s the make-up of the lad,” Snape said.

“I spoke to Ruddi who is a top physio and he has given us a bit of bad news about Junior, saying he will probably struggle to make (it before) the end of the season.

“But he will want to play. He has given his all up until now and if we can get him back it would be a massive bonus as he will help us to stay up.”

Defender Tom Sharpe (ill) and winger Chekaine Steele (hamstring) also missed the clash at the New Bucks Head Stadium where City suffered their third defeat in four games.

But Snape is hopeful the duo will be back to face Curzon Ashton at Bromsgrove’s Victoria Ground on Saturday (3pm).

“Sharpey phoned me on Saturday morning and said he didn’t feel very well,” Snape said.

“He didn’t feel very well during Thursday’s training session either and we noticed it, so he said he would go and see a doctor.

“We will see how he is in the week.”

Snape admitted City had “missed” the creative flair of Steele who has not featured since coming off against Darlington last month.

“I would love to say Chekaine is a week away and that’s the plan,” Snape said.

“He did some light training, but felt it (his hamstring) on Thursday, so we put a halt to it. He had some treatment on Saturday and will have some more this week.

“If he trains on Thursday, it may be too soon for Saturday as he will need a couple of sessions.

“He is desperate to play and to get involved in this battle we have got at the bottom of the table.

“We are missing him, but you can’t rely on injured players. You rely on the players you have got.

“We have got vast experience and some youth players who are hungry and have got the enthusiasm to hopefully get us across the line.”