Scunthorpe United still have a number of injury concerns heading into the weekend.
The Iron have been struggling all season with fitness issues within the squad and although some key men have returned they are still without several players.
The latest man to be ruled out is left-back Junior Brown who has picked up a thigh injury according to manager Paul Hurst.
However, the problem is not thought to be serious and the former Shrewsbury boss hopes his defender will be back within three weeks.
“Junior Brown has been ruled out for two-to-three weeks with a little injury on some scar tissue in his thigh, but he’s one who could be back running next week,” Hurst said ahead of the Port Vale clash.
“He seems in good spirits and Michael (McBride, head of medical services) was pleased with the work he’s done in the gym, so I don’t think it’s anything major.”
“We’re hoping to get the go-ahead on numerous players returning to the grass next week in terms of running, and perhaps joining in, so hopefully come the Forest Green game we’ll have a bigger squad available for selection.”
The Iron should have Kevin van Veen back despite the forward picking up a knock in the win over Leyton Orient but the weekend comes too soon from both Jamie Ward and Jordan Hallam while Ryan Colclough is also out with an illness.
George Miller, who had been back with parent club Barnsley, is available for selection again following a spell on the sidelines.
Scunthorpe have lost just once in the last eight games in League Two but will face a stiff challenge against in-form Port Vale at Glanford Park on Saturday.