The loss of Ryan Selwood to the illness earlier this month has been compounded by sick notes from Jaroslav Kruzic and Declan Ryan.

American forward Patrick Greene is another absentee, after breaking his ankle last week, Watkins has cancelled training – and the team’s Christmas party – to make sure his side are fully rested for the visit of league leaders Basingstoke Bison on Sunday.

He said: “We will be playing catch-up throughout the Christmas period, but we have this problem in the dressing room with an outbreak of mumps.

“We are approaching the busiest time of the season and we will be missing Kruzic and Ryan, so I have cancelled practice and the Christmas party to get us through.

“It is essential we give the guys time to rest and not let the infection spread, so hopefully by doing this it will be the right thing.”

The majority of the Telford squad is, however, currently infection free, with last week’s new signings still settling in with their new team-mates.

A full week of practice may yet be some way off, but Watkins is expecting a bit improvement from the latest additions.

“I am really happy with the players we have been able to bring in,” he added.

“Scott and Juraj will fit in well and we know what we’re getting with them. Dimitri has a lot of experience at the back end and comes with a massive resume from the Elite League. At 37 he has got a lot of experience and he has can offer that to our young squad.”

Telford have just one game this weekend, with Sunday’s clash facing off at 5.30pm.