The Chester City skipper and centre half has been receiving intensive treatment from the club's medical staff and physio Ben Holt.

But Blues boss, Simon Davies, is hopeful that his dependable defender can recover in time for tomorrow's match in the capital.

He said: "Paul watched the way we are going to play on the training pitch yesterday, but if he isn't ready to play then Kevin Roberts will step in for him.

"Kevin is a player that can easily play at this level, but he needs to go and find a position for himself which we have discussed.

"I know he can make a career for himself as a centre half.

"He won't be playing in midfield for us this season, but he'll wait for his opportunity between Paul Butler, Paul Linwood, and Shaun Kelly.

"There is competition for places in defence, but I'll be comfortable with Kevin Roberts if he has to play."

Davies is keen to see his side opening their league account with a cleansheet.

He added: "We haven't gone through pre-season with a single cleansheet because we've been making errors and trying players in different positions, but that's what pre-season is for.

"But I feel we've now addressed certain situations and it's come together quite nicely, and we're now ready for the start."

Meanwhile, Eddie Johnson could be part of the Chester City squad who start their season at Dagenham and Redbridge tomorrow.

The Chester-born utility player was released by Bradford City at the end of last season and trained with the Blues yesterday.

Johnson, 23, spent a trial period with Crewe Alexandra last month but wasn't offered a contract by the Gresty Road club.

City's chief executive Bob Gray said last night: "Simon Davies tried to sign Eddie following his release from Bradford in May, however the player elected to try his luck with Crewe, which unfortunately didn't work out for him.

"We are very close to our salary cap management limit, but if we can keep the costs just below our permitted financial ceiling then we will sign the player, and you never know that may be done in time for him to be involved at Dagenham."

Meanwhile, City midfielder Paul Rutherford has attracted interest from Blue Square Premier club, Altrincham, where former Chester manager Graham Barrow is currently assistant manager.

Rutherford who spent a fortnight on trial with troubled AFC Bournemouth recently, returned to the Deva Stadium earlier this week.

Ask Davies

If you have a question for Chester City's Simon Davies email it to digitalnews@nwn.co.uk and we'll ask as many as we can during our next weekly video interview with the Chester boss.