Port Vale look set to be without winger Chris Birchall for the trip to struggling Nottingham Forest.
Boss Martin Foyle had hoped to have Birchall back in action for last Friday's FA Cup second-round draw at home to Bristol Rovers.
But his badly-bruised foot kept him on the sidelines and looks likely to do so again.
Steve Rowland, who collected his fifth booking of the season on Friday, can play at the City Ground, but is suspended for Saturday's trip to Gillingham.
Vale's long-term injury list still includes Robin Hulbert, Michael Cummins, Hector Sam and George Abbey.
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