Triple injury blow at Walsall

Walsall have been rocked by a triple injury blow as Martin O'Connor vows to leave no stone unturned for new signings.more

Walsall have been rocked by a triple injury blow as Martin O'Connor vows to leave no stone unturned for new signings.

Left-backs Paul Boertien and Netan Sansara are both massive doubts for Saturday's visit of Cheltenham with respective rib and ankle injuries – leaving the Saddlers with just two fit recognised defenders.

Centre-backs Stephen Roberts and Anthony Gerrard are still sidelined and they are joined by striker Jabo Ibehre who is rated 50/50 for the Robins clash with a groin injury.

Assistant boss O'Connor said: "Paul's doubtful for Saturday and Netan has gone over on his ankle which is a blow and something we've got to assess. He's doubtful.

"We are waiting on the physio's word, it doesn't look very hopeful for the two of them.

"Jabo has a groin problem and he is struggling so it looks like me and Hutch are getting our boots out."

Rhys Weston and Manny Smith are the only fit natural defenders and, with Gerrard still out for at least another week and Roberts no nearer a return, reinforcements are desperately needed.

Boss Chris Hutchings and O'Connor have until the emergency loan deadline at 5pm tomorrow to swoop.

"We've been short at the back since we got here and we've got until Thursday so we'll keep persevering," said O'Connor.

"The gaffer is making phone calls, I'm making phone calls, but for whatever reason we've been knocked back on a couple of targets."