Injuries galore! Just about every player has been unavailable because of injuries this season. Earlier in the campaign, United were without any fit and available strikers, were finding it hard to name a fully fit goalkeeper, and had to play players out of position. We all thought the disaster had ended, but it's returned and hindered Kevin Blackwell's plans once again.
Gary Naysmith is still out with a long-term injury, centre-backs Chris Morgan and Marcel Seip are both still sidelined, although the duo may be called into emergency action tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon, as Sam Ellis, United's assistant boss, explains:
"If Morgan and/or Seip were to play it would out of desperation but, who knows, they may be forced into action. They are strong, willing lads but it would be a big decision because another bang could knock them back by four weeks."
Derek Geary has been hit with yet another injury, this time his ankle. Kyle Bartley, Nick Montgomery, Toni Kallio, Nyron Nosworthy, Nick Montgomery, Jamie Ward and Lee Williamson all picked up knocks at Nottingham Forest on Tuesday night, just like Geary, and have all been treated and may have to play 'bandaged up' come Saturday, 3:00PM.
James Harper is still out, although he has got back into physical work, confirms Ellis: "We don't think that James Harper will need an ankle operation for a floating bone and we have been trying to get him over the problem. He has been running this week to see how it is.
"I am not listing this catalogue of injuries to make excuses because we have to get on with it, but it does emphasise how difficult it is for the manager."
The melee doesn't get any better with the physical presence of Darius Henderson being unavailable for the next three games due to suspension.
The image used on this article is copyright to Action Images