Chester FC manager Steve Burr believes the weekend derby clash could come too soon for Luke George's return to first-team action.

The 23-year-old midfielder has been sidelined since pulling a thigh muscle during the 2-1 home defeat by Forest Green Rovers at the start of September and it was hoped that he could be back in time for the eagerly-anticipated clash with the Dragons.

But having suffered a setback in training during the week prior to the 3-0 defeat at Bromley, the former Southport man only returned to light training this week and Burr believes that it may be a game too soon for the combative midfielder.

“I think that it may be a little bit too soon for Luke as he has only just got back into some light training and we don't want to be putting him in if he isn't ready and fit,” he said.

“It is a blow as everyone can see that we have missed him in midfield and we had hoped he would make it back in time for the Wrexham game.

“He has been a huge miss for us but we want to make sure he gets over this injury and we should hopefully have him back next week. Saturday looks too earl, though.”

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George has been one of the Blues' most solid performers so far this season after joining the club from the Sandgrounders in the summer. His injury has seen him miss Chester's loss at Tranmere Rovers, draw against Grimsby Town, win over Eastleigh, 2-1 defeat at Welling United and 3-0 loss at Bromley.

His absence would likely mean Tom Shaw and John Rooney will line up in the centre of midfield, although youngster Sam Hughes could be pushing for a place having impressed in his brief cameo appearances off the bench so far this season.