Striker Nicky Forster will have exploratory surgery on his knee injury. The former England U21 international had a knee operation for a cartilage problem earlier in the season.

Boss Joe Royle said: "He's booked in for an exploratory op on Wednesday morning. He's had a relapse rather than a breakdown. It's not terribly bad, but he's not right.

"Whatever it is that's wrong hasn't shown up on scans and we have to find out what it is. So, the surgeon is going to have a look on Wednesday."

Better news on the striker front is that Adam Proudlock will be in the squad for Tuesday's game at home to Leeds and Sam Parkin should be back in full training later in the week after a lengthy absence due to a broken ankle.

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