STUART McCall admits there are more hurdles to clear as City embark on their first long road trip of the COVID era.

An unnamed player is a doubt for their game at Forest Green with a cold – as the new restrictions force him to isolate from the rest of the squad.

Under the guidelines, he must stay away for a 48-hour period despite not showing any signs of symptoms for the virus.

“It’s happened to us with Dylan (Mottley-Henry) and Zeli (Ismail) and now it’s happened to us with Mr X as well,” said the City boss.

“But I’m sure every club is going through it. I saw the other day that Hamilton had three and they had to close down the training facilities.

“If you’ve been in contact with some more players, you’re suddenly losing half your squad.

“For something basic like a sore throat, a cough or a sniffle, you have to stay away and isolate. If you don’t show any other symptoms you can come back into the group after 48 hours.

“But if they prolong, you try to get a COVID test and with what’s happening now that is becoming more difficult.

“As we keep saying, stick to the rules even when you’re in and around the football club but more so when you’re out.

“These are different times and we know that. You’ve always got to try and be careful.”

City will stay over tonight before their game in Gloucestershire and that has meant more changes to their previous travel routine.

McCall added: “Most of the boys will be in single rooms now.

“Evening meals that are usually in two tables of 10 for the players will now be tables for two. It’s little things like that.

“I’ve heard there’s been a few moans and groans about the coach we’re going down in not being so luxurious.

“There are no eating facilities on it, no microwaves or food.

“There are no tables on the bus. It’s all facing the front, sitting separately. But they’ve all got their own devices these days to keep them amused so it’s no big hardship.

“It is different but it’s a small price to pay to stay fit and healthy.”

McCall has been busier with potential recruitment calls since the shocking 5-0 home loss to Lincoln in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday. But he called it a “90 per cent chance” that nobody will arrive in time to feature at The New Lawn.

“We’ll bring in a couple more definitely (before the deadline), two, three, who knows maybe even four.

“If we do get some bodies in I don’t want a bloated squad, I’ve said that all along. It might then be case of getting some people out (on loan) to get some football.”

City will face former loan keeper Luke McGee in the Forest Green goal.

McCall confirmed they did not make an offer when he was out of contract at the end of the season.

“You know how long it took for us to manage to get Richard (O’Donnell) to re-sign. We’ve also got Sam Hornby, who is contracted.

"It’s the first time I’ve had a look at him since I’ve been in and he’s trained really well.

“We couldn’t run with an extra goalie this season, certainly not an experienced one. But Luke was a really good professional and I’m so pleased he got himself fixed up.

"Hopefully he will have a shocker tomorrow but after that do well!"