As if Joey Barton did not have enough problems to contend with at Bristol Rovers, two key attacking threats could miss much of the rest of the season.
Both Sam Nicholson and Alex Rodman have been ruled out for the trip to Plymouth Argyle on Saturday. Six-goal forward Nicholson exacerbated an underlying hip injury on Tuesday which needs further assessment and may accelerate the need for surgery.
Rodman, meanwhile, limped off against AFC Wimbledon a week ago and could miss four weeks with a muscle injury.
With Rovers a point clear of the League One relegation zone, Gas boss Barton needs points quickly and he will need to get his selection calls right at Home Park this afternoon.
Here is the expected Rovers team to face Plymouth...
Defence
Barton has been forced into a change in goal with Joe Day serving a one-match ban for his late red card at Charlton Athletic on Tuesday. Jordi van Stappershoef will start, with Liam Armstrong on the bench. Anssi Jaakkola is not quite ready to return from an Achilles injury.
Rovers have preferred to field a back three under Barton and he could turn to a 3-4-1-2 shape on Saturday.
George Williams could move outside to right wing-back, allowing club captain Max Ehmer to start on the right of the back three.
Alfie Kilgour made a costly error in midweek but Barton may keep faith with the young defender, who will likely have Jack Baldwin playing to his left.
Luke Leahy will start at left wing-back.
David Tutonda, Mark Little, Pablo Martinez, Josh Hare and Ali Koiki could make the bench, with Cian Harries out injured.
Midfield
The absence of Nicholson could force Rovers to change their midfield composition. On Tuesday, the Scotsman played at the top of a diamond. The number 10 role could be filled by Zain Westbrooke in Nicholson's absence, with the former Coventry City man excelling in an advanced position of late.
Luke McCormick and Ed Upson are set to play side by side in central midfield.
Cameron Hargreaves and Ben Liddle could see the bench, while Barton hinted Erhun Oztumer is on his way back into contention after a spell playing with the development squad.
Josh Barrett and Abu Ogogo are out injured, but the former confirmed on social media on Friday he is nearing a return.
Attack
The top two of Brandon Hanlan and Jonah Ayunga caused Chartlon plenty of problems early on Tuesday, and Barton will be desperate for that duo to deliver a more complete attacking performance against a Pilgrims side which has lost five on the bounce.
James Daly and Zain Walker will offer attacking options from the dugout.
Rovers (3-4-1-2): van Stappershoef; Ehmer (c), Kilgour, Baldwin; Williams, Upson, McCormick, Leahy; Westbrooke; Hanlan, Ayunga.
