MICHAL Helik is expected to miss at least the next three games through injury, while captain Cauley Woodrow is due to resume full training next week.
Polish centre-back Helik sustained an injury in training on Friday last week so missed the game against Reading on Saturday.
He had not missed any of the previous 66 league games since December 2020.
Head coach Poya Asbaghi said today that Helik would not play on Saturday at Millwall or in either of the Easter games the following week.
Asbaghi added: “The worst case is that he is out for the season but our ambition is he can come back before the end.
“It depends how he reacts when he starts training again, and right now he is not training at all.”
Liam Kitching replaced Helik against Reading and impressed in the 1-1 draw.
The only other fit centre-back in the first team squad is Jasper Moon, as Aapo Halme is also out injured and not training.
Asbaghi said: “Kitch had a very good performance against Reading but it is about being consistent for a number of games in a row.”
Captain Woodrow has been out for four months with an ankle injury which required surgery.
Asbaghi didn’t rule him out from playing in the Easter games as he is due to train from Monday.
“Just because he can train with the squad, it doesn’t mean he can play the next game.
“He has been out for a really long time.
“But just him being in training is at least progress.
“We will see how he reacts and how he feels.
“We hope that he can contribute towards the end of the season.
“We know the situation we are in and we need our leading players with experience.
“But it’s difficult to gamble with a player’s physical health.
“If he’s not fit enough, it will be difficult for him to contribute.
“We have to make sure he is comfortable to come back and we don’t risk a long-term injury and he has the physical standards to do the things he wants to do on the pitch.”
Carlton Morris and Callum Styles have been training this week after sustaining knocks on Saturday.
Josh Benson is a slight doubt but the midfielder has been mainly a substitute recently.
