ADAM Chicksen could be out for the rest of 2017 as Stuart McCall challenged City’s depleted ranks to step up against Charlton.

McCall is possibly missing up to four key players for tomorrow’s Valley Parade clash against another promotion contender.

Skipper Romain Vincelot is suspended and the City boss admitted there are two unnamed major doubts in his squad. One is almost certainly ruled out.

But Chicksen’s thigh injury comes as the biggest blow after building up a head of steam following his earlier one-month absence with a fractured cheekbone.

A scan revealed a significant tear which may require surgery. The club are still deciding what to do next but the former Charlton defender is likely to be out for at least a couple of months.

McCall, who will deploy either Nathaniel Knight-Percival or Tom Field in his place, admitted he felt for the left back after his previous absence.

He said: “Adam’s absolutely gutted. He’s really enjoying his time here, he feels wanted and feels he’s going to have a good shot at being our regular left back.

“You’ve seen he’s got better since he has come back. He had a little crazy four-minute spell the other night but other than that he was terrific for us and put good quality in going forward.

“When he came off late in the game, you think it’s a little bit of fatigue or maybe a pull.

“But the scan showed it’s a lot bigger than we thought and he’s going to be out for the foreseeable future. We’ll decide what the next step will be but it’s going to be a long one for him unfortunately.

“He’ll be back to play a big part in the rest of the season but it’s still a blow for him and for us.”

With Tony McMahon not ready to return, it will be a reshuffled line-up that McCall sends out. But he has faith in the strength of the squad.

“That’s football and it’s an opportunity for others,” he added. “It will be a really good game.

“Charlton had a major plus in the summer keeping their most influential players Josh Magennis and Ricky Holmes.

“That would have given everyone a lift – and they obviously nicked two of our influential players in Marsh (Mark Marshall) and Clarkey (Billy Clarke).

“They have got a good side and will be one of three or four with realistic ambitions of being in the top two.

“I think it will be two strong teams going head-to-head. We’re confident in our ability and if you get your chance, go out and take it.”