Injury-riddled Town prepare for huge ask

Shane Blackett (groin), Dan Gleeson (knee), Freddie Murray (hamstring), Charlie Henry (ankle) and Alex Lacey (bone bruising) are all ruled out through injury.

Knocks to strikers Matthew Barnes-Homer and Lloyd Owusu and centre-half and captain George Pilkington (foot), during Saturday’s FA Trophy 1-1 extra-time draw with Mansfield, mean they too are doubts.

And the situation is made all the worse as Alex Lawless, three games, and Claude Gnakpa, one, are suspended following their sendings off at the weekend.

On the injury problems, Hatters boss Richard Money said: “It happens at certain stages in the season and it’s something we have to deal with.

“Tomorrow night we have an horrendous list of injuries who won’t be available and a lot of those which are, are very tired.

“It will be a very big ask. We would ask the supporters to be understanding and give huge support as we will take a big number there.”

On Pilkington’s injury, he continued: “He is a soldier. You don’t want anyone to be on the end of a challenge like that. If he can cope with it, he will cope with it.

“But it’s very sore. He has stitches in the top of his foot.”

However, winger Robbie Willmott and Paul Carden are available again after being cup tied at the weekend.

Money said: “We will put a team out on the pitch with the objective to get three points.

“They are always on the fringe of being in the play-offs. They will still have ambitions to get there.

“It’s a big game for both clubs. A local derby, a lot of pride at stake and no-one wants to lose these matches.”

Diamonds boast former Town striker Ryan Charles in their squad, but Money isn’t convinced he will figure tomorrow night.

He added: “He certainly wasn’t involved in the 16 on Saturday.”