SUMMER signing Richard Batchelor is expected to miss the first “couple of weeks” of Worcester City’s Vanarama National League North campaign.

The midfielder has not featured for the Blue and Whites this summer following a family bereavement.

Manager Carl Heeley confirmed Batchelor, who joined Worcester from Brackley Town in June, was due to return from the Caribbean this week.

However, having played no pre-season games, the City boss says the 28-year-old will need time to settle in and get ready for the new season.

“Richard has had a family bereavement and he is not back from the Caribbean until the middle of the week,” said Heeley following his side’s 2-1 victory over Leamington on Saturday.

“It is going to take him a couple of weeks to get up to speed, but they’re the challenges of football. These things happen.”

As well as being ruled out of playing against Harrogate Town on Saturday (3pm), the former Leamington and Hednesford Town player could also miss City’s trips to Tamworth and FC Halifax and their home tie against Gloucester City on Tuesday, August 16.

However, Heeley says his absence has provided other players, including 18-year-old Joe Fitzpatrick, who signed a one-year deal at the club, the chance to establish themselves in the team.

“Richard will add to what we have got without question, but he has not been with us, so we have to plan for the start of the season without him unfortunately,” Heeley said.

“I think Junior English has been great through pre-season and young Joe looks very assured and composed on the ball, so I am pleased to have got him on board.”