Port Vale winger Chris Birchall has been ruled out for up to six weeks after having knee surgery.
Birchall was injured shortly after coming on as a substitute in the 1-0 win over Bury on Monday.
Manager Rob Page told the Sentinel: “It is disappointing for him. He is a great lad to have in and around the changing room and a great lad to be able to start. He has proven he can score goals for me.
“He’s also a great lad to have because I can trust him 100 per cent if I need him to come on at any stage of the game, whether that is defensively or to give us something to change the game.
“So, he will be a miss for us. But it gives somebody now an opportunity to step into his shoes.”
