DEPLETED FC Clacton have been dealt a “huge blow” with the news Charlie Thompson is struggling to be fit for Saturday’s match at Long Melford.

The Seasiders are already short of midfielders with Wayne Chapman suspended and Jack Clampin unavailable.

Kyelan Marvell, who can also play in that position, is out injured until Christmas.

Now there is a chance manager David Coyle could also be without Thompson, after the former Brightlingsea Regent man suffered a back injury in training on Saturday.

“It’s a huge blow and, if he fails to make it, we’ll be without three potential starting midfielders,” said Coyle.

“I’ve got no idea how it happened.

“Charlie was running and then pulled up, saying his back hurt.

“We don’t know what the problem is – whether it’s a trapped nerve or something muscle-related – but we’re just hoping it settles down before the weekend.

“Hopefully that will be the case but, as things stand, he’s certainly a doubt.”

Coyle admits it is a blow to be without two – and potentially three – of his key midfielders.

But he says it creates an opportunity for others to step in and stake their claim, especially with a home game against Ipswich Wanderers looming next Tuesday night.

Under-18 and reserve-team player Callum Patterson is one who will be promoted to the first-team squad.

“Wayne does what he does, while Jack and Charlie have got the most energy in our team,” said Coyle.

“They’re all players who give us aggression and determination in a key area.

“However, we’ll still have 11 pairs of legs on the pitch and it’s a chance for someone else to come in and try and keep the shirt for Tuesday.

“Inevitably, there will be a couple of square pegs in round holes.

“Someone will have to play in an unfamiliar position, in an unfamiliar role.

“But that’s happened before and it’s happened again.

“(Attacking player) Kevin Coyle has had to fill in at centre-half on five occasions this season and on four of them he’s been man-of-the-match.

“It’s just about bringing your skill set to a different role.”

Clacton had no game last weekend due to scheduled opponents Ipswich Wanderers being in FA Vase action.

The squad trained instead but the miserable conditions limited what they were able to do.

“We got together and had a run-out, but it wasn’t as beneficial as I hoped because of the conditions.

“It’s a shame because there were three or four areas I particularly wanted to work on and have an in-depth look at.

“But the wind was so extreme that it would have been pointless trying to do certain things.

“I wouldn’t have been able to gauge their improvement, so it wasn’t as productive a session as I hoped.”