DAVID CUFFLEY City's search for goalkeeping cover has taken on new urgency - after Nigel Worthington revealed that Joe Lewis had suffered a fractured cheekbone.

DAVID CUFFLEY

City's search for goalkeeping cover has taken on new urgency - after manager Nigel Worthington revealed today that Joe Lewis had suffered a fractured cheekbone.

Lewis, 18, missed Monday night's reserve game against Colchester United, when 17-year-old Academy 'keeper Steve Arnold deputised in the 2-2 draw at Carrow Road.

And the City boss confirmed today that Lewis could be sidelined for four weeks by an injury he suffered in the previous week's Combination game at home to Leyton Orient.

It means a desperate search is on for a loan goalkeeper, complicated by the fact that loans are blocked for seven days after the closure of the transfer window - leaving Friday as the only available day for signings before Saturday's Championship trip to Coventry.

“I'm trying to get a goalkeeper in because of Joe's situation. He suffered a fractured cheekbone against Leyton Orient and that could be four weeks out,” said Worthington, who may have to put rookie Arnold on the bench at the Ricoh Arena.

Better news for Worthington was a 30-minute stint for defender Rossi Jarvis against Colchester, his first competitive action for more than six weeks after suffering a groin strain on City's tour of Scotland.

Jarvis, 18, played at left-back on Monday, and is a realistic contender to provide cover for skipper and father-to-be Adam Drury should the need arise.

“He's one of those who is capable of doing that job, as is Jürgen Colin, but he will need a few reserve games before he can be considered for the first team, at least a couple of weeks away,” said Worthington

Jarvis said he was delighted to get back into action.

“Six weeks is quite a long time to be out, especially as it's the start of the season,” he told the club's official website.

“It's lovely to be back on the pitch and even though it was only half-an-hour it was brilliant.”