City are now chasing a left midfielder as well as a full back after the bombshell news that Kyel Reid is out for the season.

Phil Parkinson fears the influential winger will be sidelined for “six to eight months” after a scan yesterday revealed he tore his anterior cruciate ligament against Sheffield United.

Reid was stretchered off after the challenge with Blades defender Tony McMahon amid initial reports that he had twisted his knee.

But the medical tests confirmed the worst-case scenario that he will be unable to kick a ball not only for the rest of the current campaign but through the next pre-season as well.

With Reid’s contract up at the end of June, it could also raise questions over his future with the club.

Mark Yeates, who has failed to convince in recent appearances, is his obvious immediate replacement within the current squad but he is not a like-for-like player.

Teenage wideman Jordan Graham is currently on a month’s youth loan from Aston Villa but he is seen as back-up cover from the bench.

So Parkinson will be given the green light by the board to bring someone else in for that left-sided position on loan, with possibly a view of extending it in the summer.

Parkinson was already on the look-out for a specialist left back to cover broken-foot victim James Meredith and wants someone on board in time for next Tuesday’s home game against Preston.

The Meredith and Reid axis has been a key part of City’s attacking make-up and now it has been blown apart in the space of a fortnight. Left back Meredith is likely to miss another six weeks after his recent operation.

Parkinson said: “Those two work well together in terms of assists and getting in a lot of crosses. We’ve got to try and rectify that and make sure we are as effective down that left-hand side.

“We’re obviously devastated to lose Reidy because the lads know he is an important player for us with his pace. It was a quiet dressing room at half-time after his injury.”

Reid’s team-mates took to Twitter to voice their sympathy. Alan Connell said: “Football can be cruel. Savour the highs because there are many lows.

“(I’m) gutted for Reidy on his injury. He has everyone’s love and support.”

Andrew Davies is getting nearer to a return but the Valley Parade casualty list remains lengthy.

As well as the long-term absentees, there are others still carrying injuries and several players will visit the specialist today for injections.

Nathan Doyle, Raffael De Vita, Mark Yeates, Matt Taylor and youngster Oliver McBurnie are all nursing problems which Parkinson hopes can be eased during the current break from action.

The Bantams boss said: “It’s the same as the last time we didn’t have a Saturday game. We’ve got to use the time to get some of the injuries right.

“Doyley and Raffa are still not 100 per cent. I know Doyley came off the bench but he’s been carrying problems with his groin – those two players in particular we’ve got to get back.

“Olly McBurnie has had hamstring trouble, Yeatesy is having an injection in his knee which he’s been struggling with and Matty Taylor is another one still not ready.

“There are so many things we’ve got to get sorted leading up to the Preston home game.”