York City central defender Gary Hobson faces being sidelined for another six weeks.

The former Hull City and Brighton defender has missed City's last three outings with a knee injury that first surfaced during pre-season.

Originally diagnosed as 'bone bruising', it was hoped a short rest would clear the problem.

However, after three-weeks the injury was refusing to clear-up forcing Hobson to undergo an arthroscopy on his knee this week.

A tiny camera inserted into the knee has found a 'floating body' was the real cause of the problem and this has now been removed.

City physio Jeff Miller said despite losing Hobson for six weeks the keyhole-surgery's findings had come as a relief.

"We know what the problem has been now," explained Miller. "It was causing a bit of concern, but it has been removed and everything should be fine now."

In a boost for York manager Terry Dolan, midfield starlet Christian Fox could make a surprise return to the Minstermen squad for Saturday's trip to Southend.

Fox, out since August with a hamstring injury, played the final half-an hour of City reserves' 4-2 triumph over Wigan yesterday.

"He is not going to start but he could be in the squad because we haven't got all that many bodies to choose from at the moment," said the City boss.

Dolan is not expecting to step up his interest in trialists Duncan Richards and Mick Welch, both from Barnsley.

"They did okay," said the City chief. "Neither has played recently and are a bit short of match practice.

"But I don't think we will be taking it any further."

New signing Neville Stamp also came through 75 minutes unscathed while Barry Jones played 60 minutes.

With transfer-listed Barry Conlon and James Turley grabbing two goals apiece City were 4-0 up just minutes into the second half before an experienced Wigan side scored two late goals to salvage some pride.