Blow for Chesterfield as top scorer Tom Denton is ruled out of Wrexham clash and Luke Coddington suffers setback

Denton, 31, who has scored nine goals so far this season, has been suffering with a knee problem since the game against Sutton United in December.

The forward missed the midweek FA Trophy win against Boston United and remains out for this weekend’s clash.

Manager James Rowe said: “He was also isolating with a positive Covid test last week so he is having a bit of a rough time of it at the moment.

“Tom is unavailable unfortunately but that gives another player an opportunity to grab that shirt and keep it and that’s what we want.”

When asked by the DT if there was a timescale on when Denton might return, Rowe added: ”Not at the moment, he has had a scan and we will update you on that next week but we are waiting for the full results from that.”

Goalkeeper Coddington, 25, has been out for more than a year with a knee injury and unfortunately he has suffered a setback in his recovery, Rowe revealed.

“He has had a setback which is one of the reasons why we have brought two in,” he explained.

“He is probably further away than what we thought initially. It has not helped with the two isolations. That has affected his rehab. He was taking a step forward but unfortunately he has taken a couple back because of that.

“With the doubts about whether the National League North and South will continue, loans become more difficult and he needs games because he has been out quite a while.

“He is in a bit of a conundrum at the moment but we are doing all we can to get him all the medical attention he needs.”

There is some positive news in that new signing Gavin Gunning, 28, is available for selection tomorrow, as is fellow new signing, Alex Whittle, 27, who was cup-tied against Boston United.

With Kyle Letheren out with Covid, one of Grant Smith or Adam Przybek will make their debut in goal.

Striker Marcus Dinanga, 23, was taken off at half-time as a ‘precaution’ against the Pilgrims but should be in contention for Saturday.