KAYDEN Jackson has been ruled out for at least a month for City.
Graham Alexander confirmed the striker’s absence as he recovers from a knee injury.
Aden Baldwin was able to do some training today but his involvement against Leyton Orient this weekend will hinge on getting a protective mask after breaking his nose at Reading.
Tyreik Wright played against Gillingham this time last year wearing something similar when he suffered a broken nose.
Boss Alexander said: “Aden’s been to see someone to get a mask made as Tyreik did previously. We’re waiting to see whether that comes in time for Saturday, we’re obviously trying to.
“They are quite good. I remember when Tyreik had his and other the discomfort of having something around your eyes, it’s actually really strong and protective and gave him a lot of confidence to go and play.
“Aden will do the same and see if that comes before the weekend.
“He’s in quite a positive mood about it. He feels that it won’t impair him too much.”
Jackson faces the next few weeks out of action with the knee issue that forced him off against Rotherham in the last home game.
“He’s damaged his MCL but it’s not too big a thing,” added Alexander. “He’ll probably be out for a month or so.
“It’s obviously unfortunate because we’ve been affected at both ends of the pitch but that’s why we’ve got a squad.
“Aden part-trained with us today apart from the competitive stuff because we haven’t got the mask yet. Kayden was with the medical team and everyone else was out training.”
Meanwhile, Alexander has no complaint with City’s trip to Port Vale being pushed back 24 hours to next Wednesday with the home side’s FA Cup involvement.
Vale will host Sunderland in the fifth round on Sunday after last night’s win over Bristol City.
Alexander said: “They got in contact 10 days ago, saying that if they won, we could change the game and we could change it then.
“But I was happy to keep it as the Tuesday and if it changed to the Wednesday, it wouldn’t be a problem at all.
“It doesn’t really change anything other than our recovery from that to the next game. It doesn’t really change anything on the in-between training times.
“You just have to adapt but I don’t think it’s a major problem.”
