Morecambe's preparations for their local derby with Fleetwood have been hit by the news that Danny Carlton is set to miss seven months with a knee injury.
Forward Carlton suffered a cruciate ligament tear in the win against Bristol Rovers last weekend and boss Jim Bentley expects him to be out for most of the season.
"It's a massive blow for Danny and for us," Bentley told The Morecambe Visitor.
"He was looking sharp in training and was doing well on Saturday when he came on but pulled up with the injury which is one that most players dread. I'm absolutely devastated for him."
Morecambe are expected to recall Will Haining, Robbie Threlfall, Andy Parrish and Gary McDonald, who all missed the Johnstone's Paint Trophy victory over Accrington in midweek.
Fleetwood manager Micky Mellon is expected to recall defender Dean Howell.
Howell was suspended for Town's midweek penalty shootout loss to Rochdale in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy after he was sent off for handball in the win against Aldershot last weekend.
Jamie Milligan and Alex Titchiner impressed Mellon as second-half substitutes against Dale and are in contention, as are Barry Nicholson, Alex Marrow and Steven Gillespie, who all featured on Tuesday night.
Striker Jon Parkin was rested for the trip to Spotland but is also expected to be recalled, with Mellon suffering no significant injury worries as Town go in search of their third consecutive league victory.M
Source: PA
Source: PA