Ashley-Seal rated as 'touch and go' for Wigan fixture

Cobblers striker Benny Ashley-Seal has been rated as 'touch and go' for Saturday's trip to Wigan Athletic.

The 21-year-old came off the bench against Charlton at the weekend but was a surprise omission from the squad when Northampton visited Portsmouth on Tuesday.

However, manager Keith Curle has revealed his absence owed to an unusual injury problem.

"It's touch and go with Benny," said Curle. "He's got a slight groin strain.

"It's not even a strain, really. It's a very unique muscle that has affected him. He didn't feel anything after the game on Saturday and trained on Sunday with no ill-effects.

"But he went to do a squat and felt something in his groin. It's calmed down and settled down and strangely enough it's a muscle that's not really active in your football movements. He's touch and go."

Meanwhile, Alan Sheehan played his first competitive fixture since March when making his Cobblers debut against Portsmouth on Tuesday. The 34-year-old lasted 78 minutes before being replaced by Joe Martin.

"Alan's pulled up OK," added Curle. "He loved being back involved and back playing again.

"It was short notice for him to agree a short-term contract and come in and play for us but that's Alan - he loves a challenge and he'll accept any challenge because he loves playing football. He's adjusting to a new group but he's had a positive impact on the players around him."

Joe Nuttall (knee), Joseph Mills (ankle) and Scott Pollock (groin) are all out for the long-term.