JIMMY Ryan will get his stitches out next Thursday as the Reds battle an injury crisis again for tonight’s clash with Darlington.
The midfielder, who suffered a deep gash to the front of his leg against Oldham, didn’t have to have a skin graft - which would have meant a longer recovery - but they managed to stitch the "V" shape wound together and so he could be back in time for Hereford a week tomorrow if it heals well.
Defender Tom Lees has been battling with flu - which was feared to be swine flu at one time - but it’s hoped he will have recovered to play tonight.
Chris King is still struggling with a thigh strain which forced him off against Oldham and will miss tonight.
Meanwhile defender Phil Edwards suffered concussion in Saturday’s 2-0 win at Bury. He had to go to hospital after the game and was going to be assessed yesterday and today.
And midfielder John Mullin had an operation to clean his ankle on Tuesday and could be out for around six weeks.
In the current financial climate Stanley are not allowed to sign anyone. They did try to get midfielder Louis Mello in with special dispensation from the FA last Friday but it didn’t happen.
He and triallist Ross Lloyd played against Burnley in the fund-raising friendly on Tuesday but boss John Coleman confirmed no signings can be made.
Loan striker Billy Kee returns after being on the bench for Northern Ireland’s 2-0 World Cup qualifier loss to Slovenia while keeper Alan Martin has returned from Scotland Under 21 duty.
