Blow for Cobblers as Mills and Pollock go under the knife

Cobblers have suffered another injury setback with the news that both Joseph Mills and Scott Pollock face at least two months on the sidelines.

Initial hopes that Mills' ankle problem, sustained against Peterborough United, would not be serious were dashed when he saw a specialist last week. The defender will likely need an operation and could be out for up to 10 weeks.

Pollock, who has yet to feature this season, underwent surgery on his troublesome groin injury earlier in the week, while on-loan Blackpool striker Joe Nuttall is also on the mend following a knee operation.

"It's not good news on Joseph," said manager Keith Curle. "We think we will need a slight operation. It'll be a similar time to Scotty, maybe even a week or two longer.

"Scotty has had a minor operation. He's had to have an injection to loosen the tendon in his groin and that will allow him more mobility in and around that area.

"It's not so much a standard procedure but we tried everything we could during his recovery so he just needed to have this operation that will give him extra movement. We think he'll be back in about six or eight weeks."

Benny Ashley-Seal and Nicky Adams came off during Tuesday's win over Swindon Town but both should be available this weekend.

"Nicky's got a bump and a scratch on his shin but it'll take more than that to keep Nicky out," added Curle.

"Benny is just adjusting to the rigours of being a first-team squad player week in, week out but he's OK for the weekend."