LuaLua is likely to miss out following his hamstring injury sustained against Southampton. It's a huge blow because, as we all know, despite playing for less than half an hour he still scored twice and picked up the man of the match award. Patrik Berger is another casualty from Sunday's clash and is also going to be unfit for the game at the City of Manchester Stadium.
Another massive blow is poor old Andy Griffin. He was already out from the start of January till the end of February, then again from the start of March until a couple of weeks ago - and now according to South Today he's out for the rest of the season after picking up a knock in training. You've got to feel sorry for the lad as in both games he's played since his comeback, he's done exceptionally well.
Elsewhere, Gary O'Neil is also rated as highly doubtful which leaves us looking ever so slightly thin overall. The obvious replacements are Kamara, Skopelitis, Cissé and Mezague, although if Perrin decides he'd rather have Cissé playing in midfield then maybe even Shaun Cooper could get a chance at the back. We're all but secure of another season in the top flight, so there's no time like the present to get some first team experience.
It all just goes to sum up how woefully short of numbers we are. On the plus side Vincent Pericard and Hayden Foxe are both back playing for the reserves at Derby tonight and although will do well to feature before the end of the season, it's reassuring to know we still have practically two new signings to step back into the fold.