KEITH Ryan could miss the start of the season after his pre-season injury curse struck again.

The 35-year-old player coach jarred his knee in training and did not take any part in Blues' two San An Cup matches in Ibiza this week.

He will now have a scan when Wanderers return from the holiday isle today and manager John Gorman fears he could be without his midfield enforcer for the League Two opener against Carlisle United on August 6.

Gorman has definitely ruled Rhino out of next week's pre-season friendly home double-header against Chelsea on Wednesday and Wolves on Friday and again for the following Monday's Steve Brown testimonial match against Aston Villa.

And he admitted: "He looks doubtful for the Carlisle game as well. We are just keeping our fingers crossed. He will have the scan on Friday and we will know much more than."

With Rhino already a doubt for the big kick off Gorman took no risks with his other experienced middle man, Rob Lee.

Despite taking the 39-year-old former England man to Ibiza, Gorman decided not to play him out there as soon as he discovered that Blues would be playing their matches on an astroturf surface which is much less forgiving on the knees than grass.

Gorman said: "It's all about making sure we are right and ready for the start of the season. There was no need to risk Rob. We have got plenty of other games to come in pre-season and he will get his chance next week."

New signing Will Antwi also missed out on the action in Ibiza. The former Aldershot defender has got a groin injury and also looks likely to miss Wednesday's glamour pre-season friendly at home to Premiership champions Chelsea.