John Fleck has been ruled out injured for a significant period of time.

The experienced midfielder, 34, has made 17 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring one goal. The former Scotland international’s last minutes came against Oldham Athletic on January 1. He was an unused substitute against MK Dons and Bromley but has not been involved in the squad for the last three games.

It has now emerged that the former Sheffield United man has injured his calf, a problem he has had before, and he is to be out for about six weeks. With Luke Butterfield on loan at Accrington Stanley until the end of the season, Fleck’s injury leaves Chesterfield with Ryan Stirk, Sammy Braybrooke and Tom Naylor as central midfielder options, although Liam Mandeville has played there in the past.

"Not great, probably six weeks,” Gary Roberts told the DT. “He just felt his calf. He has had a little bit of trouble with that previously.”

Meanwhile, Bailey Hobson is back training and he could be one of the players who heads out on loan again. The National League transfer deadline is not until March so that could be an option for him.

"He has been fully training,” Roberts said. “He will be one who will be trying to get some minutes. If he can’t get it with us then somewhere else. He is desperate to play football. He loves the game, loves playing. He is back fit and he is perfectly fine.”