City are hopeful that Raffaele De Vita’s latest treatment will finally solve the problem that has left him stuck on the sidelines.

The Italian winger has missed 12 games since his last appearance from the bench against Leyton Orient before Christmas.

But he had another injection in his troublesome hip yesterday and the medical staff are optimistic that will do the trick.

Parkinson said: “They are convinced that once he’s had four days of complete rest, Raf should be back.

“He’s been able to run for the last couple of weeks so his general fitness is good. It’s not like he is starting again. Hopefully once we have got rid of this last bit of pain he’ll be able to continue.

“Nobody is more frustrated than Raf because he’s a really good professional. But sometimes you get these type of injuries that can take a long while to clear up.”

City are also monitoring centre half Matt Taylor, who is still wearing a protective boot with his foot injury. Like De Vita, he has not been involved since December.

“It’s a shame for Matty because he played really well against Leeds in the reserves and then picked up the injury,” said Parkinson. “But there’s nothing you can do about it apart from waiting for him to get himself right.”