JON WORTHINGTON’S season of frustration continued today with news that he faces another spell on the sidelines.
Town’s skipper picked up an ankle ligament injury during Saturday’s 1-0 League I defeat at Gillingham – his first game back after a hamstring problem.
It’s predicted that the 24-year-old, out of the first-team frame for 18 matches earlier in the campaign because of a groin complaint which required surgery, will be out for two to four weeks this time.
Physio Lee Martin, who is also treating centre-backs Rob Page (shin) and David Mirfin (back) explained: “Worthy took a whack which at the time, didn’t seem too bad.
“He played on until the end of the game, when the joint started to swell up. By Sunday, the bruising had started to come out.
“We’re carrying out intensive treatment on the joint which will sped up the recovery process, but Jon still faces another spell out.
“It’s bad luck, because he’s had three totally separate problems.”
Worthington’s various injuries have limited him to 11 starts and five more appearances from the bench out of 39 matches this season.
Those he has missed included the recent FA Cup fifth-round tie at Chelsea, his second Stamford Bridge disappointment in three seasons after suspension kept him out of the third-round showdown in 2006.
Town have decided against playing striker Danny Cadamarteri in tonight’s reserve game against West Brom at The Hawthorns (7.00).
The 28-year-old knee injury victim played half of last week’s Pontin’s Holidays League clash against Stoke.
But he took two blows to the knee, which have caused some follow-up aches and pains.
“The signs are that the original injury is mending,” said Martin.
“Things are settling down, but at this stage, it’s better to be cautious.
“Hopefully Cads will be in contention for the reserve game at home to Millwall a week tomorrow.”
Town’s Pontin’s League clash at Port Vale has been put back 24 hours to Wednesday, April 2 (2.00).
League I leaders Swansea, who visit Town on Saturday, missed out on a Wembley date when they went out of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy on penalties at MK Dons last night.
They lost 5-4 in the shoot-out after winning the Southern final second leg 1-0 with a Jason Scotland penalty.
