MICHAEL Coulson could be a doubt for York City’s opening pre-season friendly against Middlesbrough on Saturday due to an Achilles injury.

The 27-year-old attacker has not yet resumed training with the rest of the City squad since returning from the summer break and manager Russ Wilcox will not take any risks until Coulson has made a full recovery from the problem even though it is only understood to be a niggle.

“Michael Coulson came back with a little niggle in his Achilles,” Wilcox explained. “He worked hard over the summer and probably did a bit too much but he was very keen to be in good shape for the new season.

“He missed the first three days of training, but we’re hoping he should be good to go in the next couple of days. He’s still working on the exercise bikes at the moment, so we’re not too concerned.

“It’s just a matter of making sure it clears up. I’ve had Achilles problems in the past and you want to make sure everything is fine before you start back training.”

City’s squad reported back to Wigginton Road on the hottest July day since records began but Wilcox pointed out that such conditions were ideal preparation for the Sky Bet League Two curtain-raiser at Wycombe on August 8 when temperatures could be equally as scorching.

The Minstermen chief reasoned: “It’s been very hot, especially the first day back when it was 30-odd degrees, but the lads have just got on with it, which you have to do, because it could be like that on the opening day of the season and you have to be ready for everything. With all the players coming back really good from their breaks, it also means we will be able to get the balls out early.

“They’re really up to speed and I was delighted with the first three days back. We’ve been having double sessions and the players have been worked hard but they’ve been very responsive to it because everybody can’t wait for the challenge ahead.”