Bradford City suffer injury blow

He has now seen a specialist and will be sidelined for a spell, with his absence mitigated by the recent arrivals of Danny Rowe and Andy Cook, who both offer targetman options up front.

It is another setback for Novak, 32, who was previously out of action with a torn calf muscle between late October and mid-December.

Joint interim-manager Mark Trueman, speaking ahead of the League Two home game with Barrow, said: “Lee went for a check yesterday (Wednesday) and unfortunately, he is going to be out for four to six weeks with the injury he picked up and hopefully we will get back in a lower time and get him back up to match fitness.

“That is where we are with Lee.

“We have got Jordan (Stevens) straight in at the start of the window and have got Rowey and have just brought Cooky into the building and have also got Clayts. We have different options and types of players who can cause opposition threats.

“It is a blow, but we have hopefully got other players who can step in and do what Lee has been doing for us.”

Meanwhile, Trueman says that City are envisaging further transfer business ahead of Monday’s deadline - with the club having already brought in six players during a busy month.

He added: “I don’t think it is done until the last day. If we can bring another type into the building that is going to strengthen us, then we will be mindful of that. We’d love to strengthen if it was the right person."