Fleetwood star striker Paddy Madden ruled out by Covid

Town's star striker missed Tuesday's 2-0 defeat at Sunderland and has been ruled out of Saturday's home clash with Accrington Stanley.

The other Highbury players currently affected are Barrie McKay and Charlie Mulgrew, who have missed the past two matches, though head coach Simon Grayson hopes centre-half Mulgrew will be available for the Stanley fixture.

Irishman Madden, Town's all-time record league goalscorer, has scored in two of his last three matches, taking his tally to nine for the season.

Town boss Grayson said: "Paddy is another who has unfortunately been struck by the Covid that seems to be going around unfortunately.

"A few players have had it now, most of them probably on the bus journey from Plymouth. Three players who were close to each other on the bus have ended up getting Covid.

"That's why Paddy was missing and that's a huge disappointment but Charlie Mulgrew should be back for the weekend. Paddy won't be available and we'll still be without Barrie McKay.