Joel Tabiner has suffered a setback in his recovery from a fractured foot.

That's according to Manager Lee Bell, who says the midfielder is unlikely to be involved in first-team action for another six weeks.

Hopes of striker Christopher Long (thigh) being involved in Friday's clash with Barrow appear to have faded, while the boss has also provided updates on midfielders Matus Holicek (groin) and Owen Lunt (back).

Bell said: "Joel has had a setback – the fracture in his foot hasn’t healed.

"We have had to take a step back a couple of weeks with him. We are hoping that he will be somewhere in and around the mix by the end of January. 

"We thought that Longy could rejoin the group this week but he hasn’t been able to do that yet because there is still some tightness there.

"We are doing everything we can to make sure that’s all it is. We thought he could be involved, but he’s doubtful for Friday.   

"Matus has had to completely take his workload away to see if they can get the groin area to settle down. It’ll be another couple of weeks before we can reassess it. Hopefully, we can up his load again soon. 

"Owen has a stress fracture in his back and he will have another scan soon. That will indicate how it is healing. If it looks like it is getting somewhere near, it’ll be a couple of months. Otherwise, it could be a long stint out."