Blow for Reds as midfielder is ruled out
Midfielder Jimmy Smith is facing a spell on the sidelines after he broke his foot in Saturday's 3-0 defeat at Portsmouth.Having suffered the injury early in the game, Jimmy played on until half-time when he was substituted.
Physio Paul Wilson said: "Jimmy has broken a bone on the side of his foot. He will be in a protective cast for six weeks so it will be 8-10 weeks before he is fit again."
Jimmy has been a virtual ever present this season with 29 League and Cup appearances. Manager Mark Yates said: "Losing Jimmy is a blow because he has been one of our most important players. But his absence will give others who have been waiting patiently for an opportunity and it's up to them to take it."
Josh Yorwerth came off during the first half with a hamstring injury which is being assessed by Paul and the medical team this week.
The good news is that Lee Barnard, who missed the Portsmouth game after bruising his ribs against Wycombe, is back in training today.
So is defender Lanre Oyebanjo, who has not played this season after a knee operation last summer.
Paul added: "Lanre is fit and all he needs now is to build up his match fitness which is good news."
Joe McNerney is having a scan on his knee this week after which an assessment can be made on his likely return to action.
