WORCESTER City manager Richard Dryden has paid tribute to Shabir Khan's improvement as a player following his horrific arm injury.
Shabir fell awkwardly following a 77th-minute challenge by Redditch sub James Johnson in City's 1-0 victory on Boxing Day.
The 22-year-old defender was stretchered off and has since been diagnosed with a dislocated and fractured elbow.
It is the second time this season the left-back has been hit by injury, following his ankle problem sustained in the pre-season friendly against Yeovil, and it is not yet known how long he will be out of action.
But Dryden was full of praise for Shabir as he prepares to find a replacement for Sat-urday's Blue Square North visit of AFC Telford United.
The manager said: "He's dislocated and fractured his elbow so he's going to be out for a while.
"It's disappointing because he's got better every game and was probably at the top of his form against Harrogate and Redditch until he came off. It's disappointing for us and for him."
With Adam Burley having left for Gainsborough, City do not have a ready-made replacement at left-back, although set-piece revelation Jamie Price played there under caretaker boss John Barton.
Dryden, though, is confident of adding a fresh face to his squad in time for Saturday's showdown against Telford.
The manager has been tracking an unnamed target in recent weeks but was forced to delay after the player in question picked up an injury.
Dryden is waiting on a telephone call to inform him whether he can take the player on loan with a view to a permanent signing.
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Cameron Belford should be fit to face Telford after sustaining a knee injury against Redditch United.
