Luckless winger Craig Skinner has suffered another crippling knock.

Craig Skinner

Less than two days into his comeback to senior training the York City wideman broke down as his damaged left knee caved in.

Now Skinner faces an anxious 48 hours to discover whether the fresh damage is short-term or long lasting.

And in another swipe at manager Neil Thompson's selection plans veteran midfielder Steve Agnew will not be back in action until the end of the month after the latest scan on his neck injury.

But the most anguished setback was that suffered by Skinner, whose skills have been desperately missed by the Minstermen.

As he hobbled away from City's training ground the 29-year-old winger, whose career has virtually been on hold since his arrival at Bootham Crescent over seven months ago, said he was 'gutted'.

He was barely into his second day's return to training with the senior squad when the injury flared once more after a training-pitch tangle.

Skinner limped away from the action and away for more specialist attention, but at first glance there was an air of pessimism from the stricken attacker.

City boss Thompson was keeping a brave face on Skinner's latest setback, declaring: "We will be having a close look at the extent of the injury, but we are keeping our fingers crossed that it is not as bad as it first looks."

Skinner first damaged ligaments in his left knee in the final days' build-up to the season during City's final friendly against Gainsborough Trinity.

Since then it's been a long road to recovery, including two separate week-long spells at the national Rehabilitation Centre for Injuries at Lilleshall.

Thompson also confirmed Agnew's extended absence.

"He's had a scan on his neck injury and he's been told it would be six weeks from the time he first got it before he can play again. That gives it about another two and a half weeks," said the City manager.

It was hoped another week's rest would put the midfielder into contention for tomorrow's game at Lincoln City.

But Agnew's comeback from nerve damage in his neck is now more likely to be at home to Plymouth on November 27. He has been sidelined since a third of the way through the clash with Hull City four games ago.

It was not all bleak on the injury front. John Williams strode through his first full training session since his return to good form - and first City goal - were interrupted at Carlisle last week.

The tall marksman declared himself fit for tomorrow's trip to Lincoln's Sincil Bank base. And also back in harness is 21-year-old defender Graham Rennison. He has been out six weeks with a shin injury after initial fears that he had broken his leg for the third time in the last four years were dispelled.

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