FEARS are growing that Jon Parkin could be ruled out for up to two months.
The Macclesfield hitman visited a specialist yesterday (Tuesday) and the Silkmen are awaiting the results of a scan.
The 23-year-old injured his knee midway through the first-half of Saturday’s pre-season friendly with Manchester City.
Brian Horton is keeping tight-lipped about the severity of the injury until after the scan, but concerns are growing that Parkin could face a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
The striker’s absence would be a hammer blow to the Cheshire club, who just last week had on-loan forward Michael Symes ruled out.
The Bradford frontman must undergo surgery on a long-term ankle problem and is not expected to return to Moss Rose until September.
The latest setback leaves Horton with just one recognised striker, Kevin Townson, and the Silkmen chief has already begun the hunt for a replacement.
“I’ve started to make inquiries and spoken to a few people,” said Horton. “Symes has left us short and I’m looking to bring in a striker.”
And time is of the essence for the Macclesfield boss.
“We need someone quickly,” he added. “I definitely want someone before the Wigan game and maybe in time for Northwich [on Saturday].”
One player who won’t be joining the club is former Port Vale forward Ian Armstrong, a player Horton took to the Valiants from Liverpool in 2001.
The 23-year-old, who was plagued by injuries last season, can play up front or on either wing and has been training with the Silkmen.
But Armstrong is no longer at Moss Rose and Horton has ruled out a permanent move for him.
Meanwhile, Macc will face several familiar faces when they travel to Northwich Victoria on Saturday.
The Conference North outfit are managed by Silkmen legend Steve Burr and former manager David Moss, while Steve Payne and Michael Carr are among the playing staff at the Drill Field.
