David Hibbert could be out of action until April.

City today got the grim news that the on-loan Preston striker is likely to miss at least a month with an ankle injury.

David Wetherall said: "David's had a scan and it looks as though we've lost him for four to six weeks. If that's the case, it's obviously very disappointing and a blow for everyone."

At least Southend's decision to allow Billy Paynter to remain with the Bantams until the end of the season will offset Hibbert's expected absence.

But caretaker-boss Wetherall is still waiting on Doncaster to rule on whether Bruce Dyer can also extend his loan stay.

He said: "They've got a couple of injuries and will see how they go before getting back to us. I'll have to wait until later in the week to find out."

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