Injury crisis hits new heights

Mills was already without defenders Ian Richardson and Michael Edwards, who both had surgery this week to repair knee and cruciate ligament damage respectively, while right-sider David Pipe is away with the Welsh Under 21 squad.

Pipe: On international duty

And now the Notts manager has three more major doubts to contend with. Wingers Tony Scully (hamstring) and Youssef Sofiane (calf) have both picked up injuries in the week that now seems likely to rule them both out of Sunday's encounter at Moss Rose.

On a more positive note, though, midfielder Matty Gill has picked-up an ankle knock and is also rated as a severe doubt for the encounter.

All this means that Stefan Oakes and Chris Palmer, who both returned from long-term injuries in mid-week to play an hour a piece for the reserves, could be hurried back.

"It would be a gamble, but it is one we may be forced to take," Mills told the NEP. "We may not have any choice in the matter."

While Mills clearly has very few options, surely bringing back Oakes, and in particular Palmer, so soon after long-term injuries' is not the answer. Unless, he wants to put them out for longer ofcourse, as was the case when Oakes came back the first time.

One player who may come into contention as a result of all the injuries is Bosnian midfielder Fahrudin Kudozivic, who impressed for the reserves on Wednesday.

NCM will bring you a full round-up of team news, including probable line-ups, tomorrow.