NIGEL Clough is waiting on the fitness of several key players as the Brewers head into FA Cup First Round action at Scunthorpe on Saturday (kick off 3pm).
Ben Turner, Reece Hutchinson, Stephen Quinn, John Brayford, Kyle McFadzean and Scott Fraser are all nursing injuries.
The Brewers manager said: “Ben is struggling a bit with his calf and won’t make Saturday but Reece’s hamstring strain is coming on very well although it might still be too early for him as well.
“Kyle’s got a knock, John’s got a knock, with Stephen it’s his knee and Scott Fraser is carrying a couple of knocks. We are hoping they will be available but will have to wait and see.”
Goalkeeper Stephen Bywater's shoulder injury is nearing recovery and Clough will soon have to make a decision on Dimitar Evtimov, whose short-term deal expires this month. The Bulgarian will also be away on international duty after a call up to the senior national squad.
Clough said: “Stephen would have played last night against Middlesbrough but felt his calf so there was no point risking him. The plan is to get Harry Campbell out on loan and then it will depend on how Stephen is what we do with Dimi.
"We are delighted for Dimitar. His call up is a lovely reward for him for what he’s done. We can’t believe he hasn’t got a club and if nothing else I hope that playing with us will get him a deal somewhere and getting back in the international fold will certainly help him."