CARL Macauley has admitted that midfielder Paul Williams could be side-lined for up to six weeks with a knee injury.

The midfielder was forced to leave the field early in the second-half during last week’s 3-2 defeat against Grantham in a Northern Premier League fixture.

The 31-year-old was filling in as a defender in the absence of captain Anthony Brown, who is also recovering from a knee complaint.

“It didn’t look good at the time,” said the Witton Albion manager.

“He could be out for four to six weeks, and that’s a big blow for us.

“That’s why we were careful in the summer to make sure that we have cover in that position.”

Michael Wilson is likely to start at third-placed Shaw Lane this Saturday, kick-off 3pm.

Brown has an outside chance of being in the squad for a first meeting with the Barnsley-based side since both teams were promoted from Division One South at the end of last season.

Macauley added: “That bit is a plus, and we’re hopeful that Anthony will train this week.”