Huddersfield’s slim Premier League survival hopes have been hit by further injuries before Saturday’s home game against Bournemouth.
Midfielder Jonathan Hogg has been ruled out due to a rib injury, striker Laurent Depoitre (foot) is a big doubt and defender Demeaco Duhaney is still sidelined.
“I think we’re short on numbers at the moment, that’s why I’ve had to write it down,” said Huddersfield boss Jan Siewert.
“Hoggy still has problems with his ribs, so isn’t good at all unfortunately and Demeaco has a problem with his hip, so is not able to play.”
Siewert said it had not yet been determined how long Hogg will be out for.
“It could take time, but it’s not been decided how long,” he said.
“Also Laurent has a problem with his foot at the moment and I’m not quite sure if it’s possible for him at the weekend.
“And don’t forget Adama (Diakhaby) and Isaac (Mbenza) are still injured, so as I said we’re short and of course Tommy (Smith) is still suspended.”
Juninho Bacuna, who has filled in at right-back in place of Smith and Duhaney, could revert back to midfield in place of Hogg, but Siewert was coy over his forced tactical changes.
“Hoggy won’t play so I have to find a solution. I have found one, but if it’s Bacuna I can’t tell you at the moment.”
It also remains to be seen whether Jason Puncheon will be included in the squad.
Siewert has played down reports of a fall-out between him and the on-loan Crystal Palace midfielder.
Puncheon, scheduled to stay at the John Smith’s Stadium until the end of the season, was reported to be unhappy at being sacrificed during the recent defeat at Newcastle after Smith had been sent off.
Siewert did not include Puncheon in his subsequent squads for the win against Wolves nor last week’s defeat at Brighton, but insisted he had no problem with the player, who was available for selection having trained all week.
Club captain Smith serves the final game of his three-match ban this weekend.
Siewert confirmed Christopher Schindler would continue as skipper in Smith’s absence and would retain the armband until the end of the season.
The Terriers are 13 points from safety at the bottom of the table. They have lost 14 of their last 16 league games and are chasing their fourth win of the season.
