Town have been hit by a major injury crisis ahead of Tuesday's trip to face Walsall at the Bescot Stadium. The Blues particularly have a lack of central defenders as they prepare for the visit to the West Midlands.

Town are already ruling out Pablo Couñago (hamstring), John McGreal (knee), Chris Bart-Williams (back), Chris Makin (hip — operation this week), Martijn Reuser (knee ligament injury picked up on Saturday) and Drissa Diallo (gash to head on Saturday, five stitches).

Added to that list, Georges Santos has a broken nose and Richard Naylor may have a broken toe and both are considered doubts. Ian Westlake and Tommy Miller also picked up injuries against Millwall.

Manager Joe Royle told the club site: "We have a real injury crisis here at the moment and if missing those [six] players is not bad enough, Richard Naylor and Georges Santos will both have x-rays on Monday.

"Bam Bam looks to have broken a toe and Georges splattered his nose across his face and both have to be big doubts for the Walsall match.

"Tommy Miller and Ian Westlake also took knocks on Saturday and are receiving treatment so we will certainly be short of numbers for Tuesday night."

New loan signing Matt Elliott and 17-year-old Aidan Collins appear to be the only centre-half options at present, with another youngster, Gerard Nash, also out injured at present.

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