Nigel Pearson has confirmed Kal Naismith will miss his fifth consecutive game against Reading on Saturday with a calf injury.
The City manager was hoping to have him back in the frame for the trip to Paul Ince's side after hobbling off against Coventry on October 4. The initial diagnosis for his injury was 10 days but it appears his recovery is taking longer than initially expected.
Naismith, 30, had been an ever-present in the back three prior to his injury but his absence has provided an opportunity for Timm Klose to stake his claim at the back. The Swiss veteran is grasping his chance having impressed in his last three league starts since returning to the side.