Cobblers boss Wilder admits Richards injury news is a ‘major blow’

Richards underwent a scan on his troublesome Achilles injury on Thursday, and it was discovered he has suffered a tear.

The player will now wear a protective boot to aid the healing process, but it is anticipated he will be out of action for between six to eight weeks.

That means Richards is going to miss the majority of what is left of the regular league season, but should be fit and fiting for the play-offs if the Cobblers were to finish in the top seven.

“It is a major blow for us,” admitted Wilder, who on Friday signed Accrington striker James Gray and he made his debut in Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Plymouth.

“Any team would feel the absence of not just their top scorer, but the top scorer in the league.

“Marc has been superb for us this season and we will miss him, but we have shown we can get results against the best teams in this league without him and this will give extended opportunities to other players.”