Akwasi picks up hamstring problem
Akwasi Asante misses out on a quick reunion with Birmingham City tonight and now faces a race to be fit for the start of the League One season after picking up a hamstring injury aganst Bolton Wanderers on Saturday.
Asante, on loan with Town for a second spell from Blues, had been really looking forward to facing his parent club in tonight's Greenhous Meadow friendly (7.45pm) and is profiled in the match programme for the game.
But having shown so much promise in scoring against both Bolton and Liverpool under-21s in his last two outings, he now faces a spell on the sidelines.
"He's got a hamstring now and looks as though he will be out for two to three weeks which is unfortunate because he's just beginning to display what he can do," said manager Graham Turner.
"The two goals he's got in the last two matches will have done him the power of good.
"It's a blow to lose Akwasi but again the search will continue and we're hoping to get closer."
GT added he was pleased with the contribution of John Marsden, his other most recent addition to the striking department, against Bolton.
Marsden delivered an impressive display crowned by a well taken goal from Jon Taylor's inviting cross.
"It was nice to see John get on the scoresheet," he said. "It was a very good goalscorers goal, just getting between the two centre halves and a little sharp movement for a finish which was as good as it gets for a goalscorer."
Meanwhile, the manager revealed Joe Anyon will tonight have the chance to play the full 90 minutes in goal against Lee Clark's Birmingham.
"Chris Weale had the full 90 on Saturday so Joe will get the full 90 against Birmingham," he added. "I think goalkeepers prefer that rather than coming off and changing it over.
"For outfield players we protect them probably a little bit more and there might be one or two changes to the starting line up against Birmingham."