Curle could have players back for trip to MK Dons

New signing Joe Nuttall could be in contention for his first minutes in a Cobblers shirt when they head to Milton Keynes Dons on Tuesday night.

Nuttall joined on a season-long loan from Blackpool last week but did not feature in Town's Carabao Cup win over Cardiff City on Saturday due to a slight knock.

"He just picked up a slight niggle in training and we have to be cautious because we want to make sure we have as many fit and able bodies to choose from when we start the season, selection-wise," said Keith Curle.

"The medical department did a risk assessment and it was decided that he needs a few more days, but Joe's a fit lad and he's been doing a lot of work with himself so I don't think it'll be long until he's up to speed and able to perform."

Sam Hoskins also missed out on Saturday while it'll be a little longer until Nicky Adams, Shaun McWilliams and Scott Pollock return.

"We could have a couple more players potentially available for Tuesday," Curle added. "But with how we play, you need to be fit, make no mistake about it.

"A lot of it is mental and your approach to how you play because first and foremost you need to be up to speed or you give them reduced time.

"You can't expect players to come in and play for 90 minutes straight away so they need that build-up."

The EFL Trophy could provide an opportunity for Curle to rotate given the busy schedule, although he was giving little away when asked about his team selection for Tuesday.

"It's all about the fundamentals and embedding those fundamentals day in, day out, week in, week out, and we don't change because it's a different competition or different opposition," he said. "Our fundamentals are in place for whoever we play against and that won't change."