Skipper Ismail Yakabu's long standing groin problem may force Paul Fairclough to bring in a central defender on an emergency loan.

The 23-year-old Yakubu, who was also bothered by a blister in the 2-1 defeat by top-of-the-table Bury at the weekend, was unable to train on Monday. He has had to adapt his training schedule to allow him to play.

"He feels pain from his hip flexor when he runs", said physiotherapist Mark Stein.

The manager will assess the possibility of Yakubu being fit for this week's visit to League 2 rivals-in-distress Grimsby Town with Stein before deciding whether to seek a loan signing.

"We would be stretched at the back again if Ismail is unfit", Fairclough said at the training ground today.

Yakubu missed the away games against Chester City and Dagenham & Redbridge and has seen the England doctor for a second opinion on his recurring injury

Frenchman Jeremy de Magalhaes, the 6ft tall left sided central defender who was injured in training two days after his League debut at Chester City, will be at the training ground for re-assessment by Mark Stein on Wednesday.

The 24-year-old de Magalhaes, reckoned by the manager to be the successor to Simon King in the Bees defence, was ruled out for six weeks earlier this month with a serious right groin muscle injury.

He has been in France waiting for the muscle to reattach to the bone in his groin. He is still more than a month away from first team action.

Michael Leary, who has deputised in central defence this season, has now reverted to his original midfield role.


Dennis Signy