Cobblers wait on Carlisle verdict
Northampton are waiting to hear from the Football Association regarding the availability of experienced defender Clarke Carlisle ahead of Cheltenham's visit to Sixfields.
Carlisle, who was sent off for two bookable offences against Oxford, missed Wednesday's 3-0 defeat to Leyton Orient in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy, but he could not have taken part regardless of his suspension since he was cup-tied.
Chris Hackett, Adebayo Akinfenwa and Lewis Hornby are all pushing for a start after being on the bench in midweek.
Manager Aidy Boothroyd has no new injury or suspension concerns and with plenty of options available to him, he may shuffle his pack.
Defensive duo David Artell and John Johnson will be missing until the new year, while striker Alex Nicholls faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a serious leg injury.
Cheltenham's joint-top goalscorer Chris Zebroski is set to return after a bug ruled him out of Monday's 1-1 draw with Hereford in the FA Cup.
The former Torquay attacker had a bout of sickness and manager Mark Yates considered including the 26-year-old against the Bulls but decided against it although he remains confident he'll be fine for Saturday's clash.
Meanwhile defender Sido Jombati was an unused substitute against Hereford having recovered from his hernia operation that has ruled him out since November 10.
Jombati, along with Reading loanee Lawson D'Ath, came through a midweek reserve game unscathed and are ready to feature against the Cobblers as Cheltenham look to close the six-point gap on npower League Two leaders Gillingham.
Source: PA
