GRAHAM Hyde is expected to miss Worcester City's next two crucial Nationwide North fixtures following his latest setback.

City's veteran midfielder and captain is struggling to shake off a groin problem that kept him out of Saturday's 3-1 FA Trophy defeat at Crawley Town.

Hyde is preparing to rest over the next two weeks, ruling him out of the away league double header at Gainsborough Trinity and Hinckley United.

He played through the injury during Worcester's reserve win over Stafford Rangers last Wednesday, but manager Andy Preece is not willing to risk the former Sheffield Wednesday star if he is not fully fit.

It is the latest agony for 35-year-old ball-winner Hyde, who missed four games over the festive period through illness and last made a starting appearance on December 10 against Worksop Town.

"Hydey has got to rest his groin," said Preece. "We are hoping that if we can give him a week's rest, possibly two weeks, he should be back and available.

"There's not a lot we can do about the injury. He must have got a tear at some point. He played in the reserve game, but he was feeling his groin, possibly a hernia.

"He was out for a few weeks with really bad 'flu and he's been struggling ever since with this. It's been a while since he's started a game and we need a fully-fit Hydey."

Another of City's injured midfielders, Jai Stanley, could make a first-team comeback by the end of the month.

Creator Stanley, 27, underwent his third knee operation in mid-December and is now working towards full fitness.

Preece said: "Jai will get two good training sessions under his belt this week. We are hoping he can play some part in a reserve game the following week.

"It's been a long road for him. He's desperate to be back and we are desperate to have him back."