Cobblers to take depleted squad to Salford City after injury scares

Sam Hoskins and Nathan Opoku remain sidelined, alongside long-term absentees Liam Shaw, Jack Perkins and Jack Burroughs. Goalkeeper Zach Jeacock continues to be assessed following the injury he sustained against York City.

The Lincoln loanee, who appeared to hurt his left shoulder in the FA Cup first round tie, was not in the squad for Tuesday’s EFL Trophy game against Gillingham, with Ross Fitzsimons making just his second start of the season.

Captain Jon Guthrie, another player who was not involved in midweek, would be expected to return at the weekend but Hogg’s comments (below), coupled with his omission from Tuesday’s bench despite a place being available, may suggest otherwise. Town only named six subs despite seven being permitted.

In addition to those injury doubts, three players – Janoi Donacien (Saint Lucia), Tyrese Fornah (Sierra Leone) and Sam Chambers (Scotland Under-19s) – are away on international duty, and there is also a danger that Cobblers could lose midfielder Joe O’Brien-Whitmarsh, who is on the standby list for the Republic of Ireland Under-21s.

“We had 17 players with us tonight (Tuesday) and that's what we've got to go with for the next period of time so we have to be smart and give people what they need,” said Hogg.

"There's no more updates on Zach. We're still assessing him. James Dadge did very well on Saturday so we've got a couple of goalkeepers and we'll have to make a decision on Saturday.”