Opoku to undergo 'minor procedure' after missing Colchester win

The 25-year-old forward was absent for last Saturday’s trip to Grimsby with what Chris Hogg described as a ‘knock’, but he returned to the bench against Tranmere in midweek, coming on as a late sub.

However, Opoku then sat out the visit of Colchester on Saturday, with Logan Briggs back in the squad instead.

“Nathan is going to need a minor procedure,” revealed Hogg after the 2-0 win. “He’s going to have that on Monday but we’re hoping it will be pretty short-term and he’ll be back pretty quickly.”

Cobblers were deserving winners on Saturday as goals from Matty Warhurst and Sam Hoskins continued recent momentum, but Hogg is keen to ensure his players do not rest on their laurels.

He added: “It’s up to us to keep believing and we have to keep driving that belief that we can do good things, as fans, as players, as staff. We knew we needed better results, I’ve never shied away from that, but what I see every day is building blocks towards what a successful team looks like.

“There will be ups and downs as we go but you have to enjoy today and enjoy the win and enjoy two goals at home and enjoy the atmosphere at the end. Hopefully everyone has a good Saturday night and then we’ll come back in next week and keep working and keep trying to get better.”