Of goalkeepers Chris MacKenzie (thumb) and Ryan Brookfield (hamstring); defenders Carl Regan (suspended), Dave Artell (suspended), Shaun Hessey (damaged cartilage) and Scott McNiven (suspended); midfielders Tom Curtis (virus) and Justin Walker (hamstring/virus); and forward trio Ryan Lowe (suspended), Gregg Blundell (thigh) and captain Michael Branch (knee)...

...you counted it, 4 were suspended and 7 injured!

Things got so bad, Keith Curle was forced to name four injured players on the bench in order to prevent an FA fine, and goalkeeper John Ruddy was drafted in from Everton as emergency cover for MacKenzie and Brookfield.

So it hasn't been the kindest of situations for Curle, who is yet to lose more than two consecutive games in his managerial career - Chester have lost their last two consecutive games for the first time this season.

However, as he prepares for the boxing day clash with Cheltenham, yellow-card-happy-victims Ryan Lowe, Scott McNiven, Dave Artell and Carl Regan will be back in contention. Tom Curtis and Phill Bolland - who both played last Saturday - have recovered from the flu. And while Justin Walker, Gregg Blundell and Michael Branch started light training this week, Shaun Hessey recently underwent a successful op.

I believe it’s Xmas now, so I’ll stop there, and wish you a merry Xmas from chestercity.co.nr. Have a good’un!

OK, there won't be any updates on here until February because I'm on holiday after Christmas! So I bid you a happy New Year too!