Marc Bridge-Wilkinson has been ordered to take a week off to cure his knee complaint.

City's influential midfielder, ruled out of Monday's derby clash with Huddersfield, has already missed five games since taking the knock during training.

Bridge-Wilkinson has now had a brace fitted to protect his left knee and told to give it a complete rest.

Baffled boss Colin Todd said: "It's been over three weeks now for a very minor ligament problem.

"We thought it would settle down in less than two but it hasn't and we can't keep going on like this.

"He's had it X-rayed and scanned and the specialist said there was very minimal discomfort there.

"It's disappointing he hasn't made the improvement we were looking for so I've decided, along with the physio, that he has a week off in the hope that he comes back ready."

Bridge-Wilkinson played a key role in City's 2-0 win in the last derby in March. Dean Windass, who scored the second goal that day, is out through suspension, with Danny Cadamarteri and Andy Cooke vying for his place up front.

Goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts is also in with a shout of his first game since August 20 as he steps up his comeback from a ten-match absence with a broken foot.

"You do miss better players but I can't worry about that," said Todd.

"Whatever side I send out there will give a good account of themselves.

l The ticket office will be open tomorrow from 10am to 2pm for the Huddersfield game.