YORK City have revealed that striker Reece Thompson is suffering from a “long-term illness”.

Thompson has not featured for the Minstermen since an 80th-minute substitute outing during the 2-0 Johnstone’s Paint Trophy home victory over Doncaster on October 6.

Former boss Russ Wilcox and current chief Jackie McNamara have previously cited a “virus” as the explanation for Thompson’s absence, but City’s communications director Sophie McGill has confirmed he is unlikely to return to action in the foreseeable future.

McGill said: “Reece is suffering from a long-term illness, which has resulted in him being unable to train with the club for several weeks. He is at home with his family and the club are providing him with support to aid his recovery.

“Reece’s team-mates and everyone at York City wishes him the very best.”

City paid a transfer fee to Frickley Athletic this summer to land 22-year-old Thompson on a two-year deal after he scored a spectacular goal against Premier League Newcastle whilst at Bootham Crescent as a trialist.

He went on to score three goals in his first six competitive matches for the Minstermen and has made a dozen appearances for the club in total.