ADAM Crookes is set to be sidelined for the next four to six weeks through a quad tear.

Adam Hinshelwood has confirmed that defender Crookes received bad news after undergoing a scan this week, following his absence in York City’s 1-1 draw with Southend United last Saturday.

The left-sided defender will recover from his injury in the next four to six weeks, with Hinshelwood admitting that it was a ‘big miss’.

“Pretty much, yeah [everyone fit], but no Crookesy still. We had some bad news on his scan, other than that we’re pretty much there and the same as last week,” Hinshelwood admitted.

“I think it was a slight tear on his quad, so he will be out for six to eight weeks.

“He’s had a couple of weeks though so probably four to six weeks now, which is a real blow for Crookesy.

“When he’s been available for us he has shown what a good player he is for this level, so to have that balance with a left-footed player in the centre of defence really helps.

“It’s tough on the lad as well, he’ll work extremely hard to make sure that he can come back.

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“He’s a big miss. We’ve got Darragh [O’Connor], Ryan [Fallowfield] and Cal [Callum Howe] that can all play centre-back and Cam John can play there if needed.

“We’ll see him more vital for us over the next few weeks at left-back, Joe Felix can play at left-back and Ryan Fallowfield can always slot in at right-back.

“We’ve got options for us in that back line.

“Crookesy, for what he does, is a really powerful lad. He’s probably the quietest centre-half I’ve ever come across!

“He goes about his business very well and will be a big miss. Hopefully he can get this latest setback out of his system and have a big part to play for us this season.

“One thing we have got is squad depth, and I think that we proved that in the last game.

“I do like to give other players an opportunity and keep it fresh, but ultimately if they keep doing it, then they will stay in the team.

“We want to get some momentum as well, so it’s a good advantage.

“We’ve got a very busy period coming up with Saturday’s to Tuesday’s, so all players are going to be needed.

Billy Chadwick has impressed Adam Hinshelwood in pre-season.Billy Chadwick has impressed Adam Hinshelwood in pre-season. (Image: Tom Poole)

“I’m just disappointed that Crookesy is not going to be a part of it, but those on the bench will come on and show what they are about.”

Hinshelwood also explained the decision-making process behind choosing Billy Chadwick ahead of Tyrese Sinclair and Ashley Nathaniel-George at Southend, after admitting that the former Gateshead man has impressed him in pre-season.

“I just think that him and Joe have linked up well this season. I was keen for Dipo [Akinyemi] to start because he’s a big, powerful lad.

“Ollie [Pearce] can play and feature in the front three positions, and with that it allowed us the quality that it did to have quality to come off the bench.

“Bill was excellent in pre-season and linked up really well with Joe Felix. He’s a really intelligent player and someone who can be big for us and big for the club this season.”