Walsall vs Salford - preview: Mat Sadler explores his options after injury blows

A stretcher was brought to his aid but the Bournemouth loanee was able to return to his feet and limp down the tunnel. 

Hancock went down off the ball after the break and needed to be stretchered off the field of play, with Sadler conceding afterwards that he fears the pair could be out for a "significant" period. 

Sadler has confirmed that both have suffered knee injuries, although the nature of the two injuries are different. 

Courtney Clarke filled the void at left wing-back and Albert Adomah led the line in the absence of Stuttle. While Sadler is confident that he has the options to fill both slots, he has confirmed that the club are "exploring" the possibly of bringing further reinforcements in.

Walsall "exploring" the possibility of further additions

"Tuesday night you saw Courtney Clarke come on and play there. We have others that can fit into that role, but we do have the ability to maybe bring someone in if we feel like we need to do," Sadler revealed.

"The worrying side of Tuesday was the injuries, the only positive is that we have the ability to do something if we need to and if we see someone that we want to bring in. 

"There's a window that's open. I'm very happy with the squad, the reason we've tried to do two for every position is to beat the challenges of when this happens. 

"We've also got a few versatile options that can fill different roles. Evan Weir has play there [at left wing-back] before, Albert Adomah has probably played there at times in his career. Charlie Lakin and Ronan Maher have also played there too. 

"We won't rush into bringing anyone in but it'll be remiss of me to say that that's an area we'll be looking at to see what is available." 

Injuries offer a chance for others to step-up

Vincent Harper, who is yet to feature in a match day squad in the league, is poised to replace Hancock at left wing-back, and Adomah appears the likeliest option to succeed Stuttle in attack against Salford City on Saturday.

Rico Browne, Evan Weir, Brandon Comley, Ronan Maher, Josh Gordon and Harper all sat out on Tuesday night, but Sadler stressed that the size of his squad will prove to be important throughout the season.

"Without a doubt," he replied when asked if the injuries presented a chance for others to step-up. 

"You asked me the other night about Evan and Rico [Browne] being in the stands. We need a squad for reasons like this. 

"Injuries, suspensions - it's all going to happen so there might be days when certain players start and others are on the bench. 

"Then in other games, it could completely change again. That's the reason we have the squad we have and we're going to have to use it."