Sami Radlinger could be injured until December with Bambo Diaby and Cauley Woodrow both set to miss tomorrow’s trip to Wigan Athletic.
Centre-back Diaby limped out of the 3-1 loss to Luton Town with an ankle problem, which could be healed by the end of the international break next month, while goalkeeper Radlinger injured his knee ligaments in the same game. Striker Woodrow, last season’s top-scorer with 19 goals, has missed the last two matches after injuring his calf at home to Charlton Athletic two weeks ago.
Coach Chris Stern said: “Sometimes a small impact doesn’t feel that bad but sometimes it turns out to be a bigger injury. We are confident Cauley will come back during the international break and play afterwards.
“During the season you have injures, and at the moment we have important players injured. We still have a good squad and a good group of lads. Last season it was a big point that players came in when needed and did well. It’s a good opportunity. The international break might come at a good time with the injuries.”
Radlinger is likely to be replaced by Brad Collins who would make his first league start for the club having impressed in the 3-0 EFL Cup loss to Carlisle United earlier this month. Stern said Radlinger was ‘pretty down’ but backed Collins to replace him. Stern said: “We are lucky to have two very good goalkeepers. We feel confident in Brad and we hope he can play like a normal number one.”
Diaby could be replaced either by Aapo Halme, who is yet to start a Reds league game, or by Toby Sibbick who moved from right-back to the centre at half-time on Saturday. Winger Jordan Green filled in at right-back while the other right-backs are Jordan Williams, who is injured, and Dimitri Cavare who has been left out of recent squads.
