Nelson injury not as bad as first feared

CENTRE-BACK IN TRAINING NEXT WEEK, BUT KEEPER IS STILL OUT

- By JORDAN BLACKWELL

BEN Nelson could be back in training next week.

Nelson landed awkwardly during the victory over Norwich and was taken off on a stretcher to spark fears of a long layoff. But the centre-back's ankle injury is not as bad as first feared.

City manager Marti Cifuentes said at the time that his right ankle had swollen up immediately. The 21-year-old was seen wearing a protective boot the following week.

However, he could be back on the training pitches at Seagrave from next week.

It likely rules him out of at least the next three matches though, against Stoke today, Southampton on Tuesday and Sheffield United the following weekend.

He may be available when City play Derby in their first fixture of December.

For the clash with the Potters, Nelson will be one of five City players definitely absent, with goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk also ruled out again.