Non-league football: A game too far for ailing Bridge
The 20-year-old is due to see a specialist after struggling to get through a game.
Manager Peter Ward said: "It is frustrating both for the player and the club.
"Ricky has so much ability that we want him out there for 90 minutes.
"But the way he is, I am not sure whether to start him, not knowing how long he will last, or have him on the bench.
"He came on for 20 minutes against Chasetown last Saturday and murdered them.
"Ricky has great feet and can go past people for fun. He is also a great crosser of a ball and is capable of scoring goals."
Bridge, who had a spell with Manchester City, has found the net four times and, for all his problems, has played his part in Kidsgrove's improvement this term.
Grove slipped up at home to Chasetown, but will travel to Brigg Town tomorrow hoping to prove it was a one-off.
It was their first defeat in eight games, but they stayed second and Ward said: "From what I have seen – and I have seen most teams – I see no reason why we should not remain a top-six side, providing we keep everyone fit.
"We score goals, which is obviously a key factor, and have looked a lot tighter at the back lately."
Sam Hall (ankle) and Tom Moss (knee) are the current casualties, although Ollie Edwards (hamstring) has yet to start following his recent move from Leek Town.
LEEK TOWN manager Wayne Johnson is being forced to shift defender Nick Ward into midfield.
The versatile Ward has been a rock at the back all season, but Blues have run into a chronic shortage of players in the middle of the park.
Leek are feeling the absence of Ashley Miller, although he will be back sooner than the six weeks predicted.
Steve Brannan is still suspended, while Richard Bailey and Wayne Corden have also been unavailable.
Corden returns at home to Rushall Olympic tomorrow, when Leek will be aiming to shrug off the disappointment of losing on their first visit to Cammell Laird in midweek.
Having won at Grantham last Saturday with a goal by Paul McMahon, Johnson was hoping to continue the good work against Lairds on Tuesday, but accepted the 2-0 defeat was a fair reflection on the game. He said: "We conceded a sloppy goal to a back pass and too many players dropped their heads, which is something that is tending to filter through the team.
"Players are letting mistakes affect the game instead of being big enough to get over them.
"There was not enough threat against Lairds and we need to take the game more to the opposition. We should be imposing ourselves more.
"We are only three points off the play-offs, but we cannot rest on our laurels.
"Our standards have dropped and one or two players need a kick up the backside."
Leek have lost one of their most ardent fans with the death of Terry Ferns at the age of 75.
Johnson, former manager Neil Baker, and past and present players Matt Beeby, John Diskin, Nick Ward and Steve Brannan acted as bearers at today's funeral. Another former Leek boss in Paul Ogden gave the eulogy.
Comment on this story