YORK City's mounting injury worries basked in a welcome chink of light today with the news Graham Potter and Darren Edmondson could be back in action within days.

Earlier this week City manager Terry Dolan admitted he feared both defenders were set for prolonged spells on the sidelines after the injuries that have ruled them out of City's last three matches, including today's encounter with Southend United, had shown little sign of easing.

However, the duo, arguably City's most influential performers prior to their enforced absence thanks to their pinpoint centres from the flanks, have made rapid recoveries over the last 48 hours and are now back in training.

Should they show no reaction, Edmondson, who has been troubled by a thigh and groin injury, and Potter, who has had a stomach strain and hip problem, could feature for the reserves in their match at Doncaster Rovers on Wednesday.

It means the pair will still miss Tuesday night's Division Three encounter at Kidderminster Harriers but given City's growing injury list Dolan admitted their impending return was a massive boost for morale.

"They have both been playing well and to be fair we have missed them both over the last few games," said the City chief.

"On Tuesday, Jeff (Miller, City's physio) was a little bit worried about them but they did a bit of running on Thursday and that is encouraging.

"You sometimes find with injuries you hit a brick wall for a spell but after a couple of days everyone feels that bit happier.

"They did a bit more training yesterday and the fact is they haven't missed that much football.

"They had both played every game prior to missing the Hartlepool and Notts County games so it is not as if they are lacking in fitness.

"If they can train Monday and Tuesday then they will both be involved in the reserves."

Dolan insisted he would not be tempted to rush Edmondson and Potter back for the trip to the Aggborough Stadium.

"Some managers will force players back from injury because of necessity but I have never done that and I will never do that," he pledged.

"It is too dangerous. It would be easy to play Darren and Graham on Tuesday but there is such a risk in doing that."

However, with Potter and Edmondson on the mend, Dolan has confirmed central defender John Fielding could be out for a number of weeks.

As reported in the Evening Press, Fielding limped from the fray in the midweek 2-0 LDV Vans Trophy defeat at Notts County.

In a cruel blow, Fielding was actually injured by team-mate Mark Maley, who slid in for a tackle on County's Danny Allsopp but managed to clatter Fielding as well.

"John is struggling and he won't be playing for a couple of weeks at least," said Dolan.

"His ankle is swollen and has been on crutches for the last three days."

Updated: 10:26 Saturday, October 20, 2001