Saddlers facing striker crisis

Walsall were today facing a striker crisis after Reuben Reid and Jon Macken became their latest casualties.

The Saddlers are sweating on the fitness of the duo after they limped out of last night's 3-0 defeat at Sheffield Wednesday.

Macken suffered a reccurrence of his calf injury and Albion loanee Reid has a hamstring strain.

Skipper Darren Byfield is already out for at least another month with a knee injury while Liam Dickinson's loan expires next week.

And boss Chris Hutchings faces an anxious wait to hear about the extent of the injuries ahead of Saturday's FA Cup trip to Torquay.

"Reuben had a little problem with his hamstring. He said he felt it mid-way through the second half and we'll have to wait and see what he's like," said Hutchings.

"Jon has tweaked his calf again, we'll have to see what he's like and he'll have a scan. It's normally 48 hours before you can give a true reflection on the injury."

There was better news on Martin Devaney, who could return for the trip to Plainmoor after being sidelined for almost three weeks with a hamstring problem.