Injury-hit Doncaster suffer major blow before Cobblers clash

Doncaster Rovers have been hit with a major injury setback ahead of Saturday's game against Northampton with the news that key man Jon Taylor will miss the rest of the season.

Taylor was forced off after just 28 minutes of last Tuesday's victory over Portsmouth and has now been ruled out for the remainder of the campaign due to ankle ligament damage.

The 28-year-old, who previously played for Rotherham and Peterborough, has been integral to Doncaster's promotion challenge this season, making 29 appearances in all competitions.

"It’s a big disappointment and we wish him all the best for his recovery and we’ll do whatever we can to help him," manager Andy Buttler told the Doncaster Free Press.

“I’ve spoken to him a lot and I’ve asked him to be around the group a lot. He’s a motivator and you have to have people around like that. He’s an important part of the club."

John Bostock and Omar Bogle are also unlikely to be involved in Saturday’s clash with the Cobblers, while Arsenal loanee Tyreece John-Jules remains sidelined after suffering a hamstring injury in January.

“Tyreece is coming on really strong," confirmed Butler. "Hopefully in four or five weeks he’ll be back with us."

Rovers played without a striker in Tuesday's defeat at Crewe due to their mounting injury problems, although Fejiri Okenabirhie and Reece James should be available for Saturday.

Bostock suffered a groin injury during the loss at Gresty Road and Bogle missed out with a hamstring complaint.

Doncaster are also adjusting to life without manager Darren Moore who left the club for Sheffield Wednesday only two weeks ago.