Kevin Stewart is set to be sidelined until the New Year after undergoing an operation on his metatarsal.
The midfielder, who is yet to feature this season, has now had the issue pinned and aims to put a difficult start to the new campaign behind him.
“It’s a bit of a downer for Kev. Quite a few weeks back we didn’t want to be in the position where he was going to have surgery, but these things happen. It’s part and parcel of football,” Head Coach Michael Appleton said.
“It’s disappointing and frustrating, not just for him but for us. He’s had that done now and it hopefully draws a line under that injury. It allows it to heal and repair properly.
“He’s got a brilliant opportunity now where he’s in a position to get himself fully fit.”
On a more positive note ahead of the weekend, Keshi Anderson is now back training with the group.
“We’ve got one or two, like Keshi, who have now had a few days to train and probably feel that they’re ready to ask questions and be in and around the squad and part of the squad,” Appleton confirmed.