YORK City Knights coach Mick Cook is bracing himself for yet more bad injury news - but there is some relief on the horizon tonight.

The bad news surrounds a plethora of knee injuries, with in-form Rob Spicer the latest to join the treatment table after limping off in Sunday's win at Hunslet.

He is a major doubt for this weekend's trip to Keighley, leaving Cook with more half-back headaches.

Spicer had been filling in at stand-off for Scott Rhodes, who hobbled off in the preceding win over Barrow. Vice-captain Rhodes, a key pivot in the team, now needs to see a consultant as his own knee injury has not improved and is out indefinitely.

Second-row Nathan Priestley, who was helped off after 12 minutes at John Charles Stadium, has a confirmed medial ligament strain and will also miss the Keighley game, at least.

Top prop Adam Sullivan will also remain on the sidelines. His knee injury has responded to treatment but he will not be ready for Sunday.

Head coach Cook has some better news afoot, however.

Scrum-half Danny Grimshaw says his knee injury is improving and it is possible he could return this weekend.

Furthermore, four senior players are on the comeback trail and will get run-outs in tonight's academy match away to Keighley.

Captain Dan Potter, winger Alex Godfrey and second-row Ian Brown all have the chance to prove their fitness and get some vital game-time, while winger Lee Lingard, forced back into first-team action as a substitute on Sunday despite his lengthy absence, will also get some more match action.

All four could be in the running for a first-team place on Sunday if they come through with no hiccups.

Cook was grateful for a possible respite in the injury crisis.

"It's great to have some senior players coming back and give them some game time. It's a good time to get some back, and hopefully they will all come through tonight."

The recoveries made by Spicer and Grimshaw could dictate whether the club sign a new half-back. Cook has contemplated bringing someone in following the loss of his first-choice pair, but the performances of Spicer and utility ace Jonny Liddell at Hunslet gave him more food for thought.

"The guys did a good job last week. Jonny was very controlled and looked after the game, and Rob did a good job but came off injured," said Cook.

"If Danny Grimshaw comes back, we've got a combination who can do the job. Getting somebody new would be a last resort. I understand the need for a half-back - they're a massive part of the game - but I'm for keeping it in the club if we can.

"We've had a look around and there's not a lot available, and I don't see the point in bringing people in who can't do a better job for the team than who we've got."