WORCESTER City's talented defender Nathan Jukes could be sidelined for several weeks after learning he will require a cartilage operation.

The 21-year-old has been sidelined for three weeks after sustaining the injury in the home draw against King's Lynn.

He will have an operation as soon as possible and will definitely sit out tomorrow's Dr Martens League Premier Division game at third-placed Moor Green (3pm).

Manager John Barton said: "We are trying to squeeze him in as quickly as possible, depending on his own specialist's situation."

Barton says it is a blow to lose Jukes, who had played virtually every game at left-back this season until his injury.

"He has come in and adapted well to the situation. He is a young player learning his trade and he has responded well to the challenge if inconsistent with his performances, but that is part and parcel of a young player's learning curve."

Jukes joined City two seasons ago after being released by Portsmouth.

On the plus side, strikers Carl Tranter and Micky Cotter may be considered for recalls after coming through the mid-week reserve clash with Rushden and Diamonds with no ill-effects.

Midfielder Ian Cottrill is responding well to treatment for his thigh injury but is unlikely to be fit enough for tomorrow, while defender Chris Greenman and midfielder Andy Ellis, who made comebacks against Rushden, still need more reserve games under their belts.

But Barton said: "In terms of the ones who are on the injured list, it is probably as good a situation as it has been for a long while.

"If we can get Ian cleared up it will be interesting to see how the players react to a scrap for places."

City are likely to revert to their formation of three central defenders tomorrow, with the transfer-listed Mark Tucker returning to action after missing the mid-week Dr Martens Cup victory at Tamworth when he got stuck in a traffic jam.

Allan Davies will line up again at right-back after his loan spell from Burton Albion was extended for a second month.

City may be out of the title race but they can boost their prospects of finishing third if they can record their seventh away win of the season tomorrow. They have another important game at Salisbury City next Tuesday.