SHABIR Khan is hopeful of returning to the Worcester City training pitch before the end of the month as he continues to recover from his latest injury lay-off.

The 22-year-old defender has been out of action since dislocating and fracturing his left elbow during City's 1-0 victory against Redditch United on Boxing Day.

It is the second time Shabir has found himself on the sidelines this season after missing the start of the campaign with an ankle problem sustained in pre-season.

And he had only been back in the team for 11 games before the injury curse struck again.

But now he is on the road to recovery once more and is stepping up his off-the-field work.

"Things are coming on quite well," he said. "I have been getting the mobility back in the arm and now I have got to try and work on some stren-gthening.

"I spoke to the physio and he said now that I have got the mobility I need to get my strength back because I could dislocate it again.

"I am happy with the arm coming on quickly because there was a worry of me being out for much longer but I am being quite and hoping to be back quite soon.

"I have started to run to try and get my fitness back but I have got to try and avoid any contact so I am not allowed to join in the training.

"I get asked all the time when I'll be back and it's difficult to say but I am hoping to be back training in the next two to three weeks.

"It's very frustrating not to be playing. A lot of people have said that as soon as I get a good run in the team something happens."

The injury halted the Redd-itch fixture for several minutes and led to fears of Shabir missing the majority of City's push for the play-offs.

He said: "When I landed on it I heard something go and George Clegg said to me afterwards that he heard the crack.

"As soon as he heard the crack he ran after the referee because the he was just playing on. I went to lift up my arm but it wouldn't come with me so I just lay back on the floor and waited for the physio to come back on the pitch.

"At first I was told I was going to have to have it operated on but after a few consultations with a specialist they said it should be fine to leave it so that was some good news for me.

"To have had it operated on would have set me back."

The news is a further boost to the club and its fans, who saw Shabir take part in light training before Saturday's match with Blyth Spartans.

He added: "The whole team is doing well and it's good to be a part of it. The gaffer has told me to keep involved and that helps."