Potter still out, but D'Ath returns as Cobblers prepare for York

There is good news and bad news on the injury front for Cobblers boss Chris Wilder ahead of Saturday's Sky Bet League Two clash with bottom-of-the-table York City at Sixfields.
STILL INJURED - Alfie PotterSTILL INJURED - Alfie Potter
STILL INJURED - Alfie Potter

Wilder had been hoping to welcome both Alfie Potter and Lawson D’Ath back into the fold for the visit of the Minstermen, but he has once again been forced to rule out Potter.

The former Oxford United man has been out of action since December 28 when he picked up a rib injury in the 1-0 win over Accrington Stanley, and he is still not right to return.

“Alfie has had a setback, and that is the one downside for me over the past four weeks or so,” said manager Chris Wilder.

FIT AGAIN - Lawson D'AthFIT AGAIN - Lawson D'Ath
FIT AGAIN - Lawson D'Ath

“He has been injured, has had a bit of a struggle with his hamstring, and has been unfortunate with a couple of knocks he has had through the season.

“It means he’s not really got himself going. He has shown glimpses, but he is disappointed because I know the character of the lad, and how well he wants to do for himself, his team-mates and the supporters.

“But he will be okay, he will come back, we just have to give him a little bit more time.”

The good news concerns D’Ath, who is available for selection after shaking off the groin injury he picked up in the 2-1 win at Plymouth Argyle at the beginning of last month.

FIT AGAIN - Lawson D'AthFIT AGAIN - Lawson D'Ath
FIT AGAIN - Lawson D'Ath

“Lawson will be fit for the weekend,” confirmed the Cobblers boss.

“He has worked extremely hard to get over his groin injury and he is another good, young player that we welcome back into the squad.”

The Cobblers squad for the weekend will also be boosted by the arrival of a new signing in midfielder Danny Rose, who on Monday signed a deal until the end of the season after he was released by Town’s league two title rivals Oxford United.

Another new signing, defender Luke Prosser, could also be in line to make his first appearance for the club after he joined on loan from Southend United last week.