Preperations for Tuesday's LDV Trophy 2nd round tie at Dean Court have been hit by the news that three of the side that faced Wigan on Saturday have been ruled out through injury.
Full back Steve Jones and midfielders Ryan Casey and Jason Price will all miss out, after picking up knocks at the weekend. Jones was forced off after half an hour at Wigan on Saturday, after a heavy challenge by Lee Ashcroft, which went unpunished by the ref.
Physio Richard Evans says that Jones is suffering from a dead leg, which is affecting his mobility: "The bruising is starting to come out as well, which is a good sign", Evans added. Casey and Price both finished the match, but are suffering from knocks they received.
Casey has a bruised left ankle, whilst Price has an injured hip. Jones' chances of making Saturday's home game Vs Peterborough is rated at 60/40 at present, but Price and Casey should recover in time.
Hollins will be looking to blood a few youngsters in the side with young Schmiecal look-a-like Leigh De-Vulgt filling in for Steve Jones at right back. O'Leary is set to return to the defence to replace stalwart Mat Bound, as a chance to let him get acclimatised to the position with Smith's suspension pending. Jenkins will be promoted from the bench to let Cusack have a rest and Lyndonn Greggson a young utility will fit into the left wing role as both Coates and Casey are ruled out by injury.
The most interesting aspect will be the teaming up of Boyd and Savarese upfront with Watkin taking the bench. The combination failed last time but many are still hoping that Boyd will get his act together as Watkin is struggling to score the goals necessary to keep his place.
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