SEVERAL key Accrington Stanley players are facing a race against time to be fit for their FA Cup first round game at Mansfield Town on Saturday.

Michael Welch, Andy Procter and Jay Harris are all battling to recover from knocks they picked up in the 4-2 defeat at Peterborough last weekend.

Central defender Welch had a tooth knocked out after being struck in the face, Procter is battling to recover from a shoulder injury, while his midfield partner, Harris, missed training on Monday and Tuesday due to a swollen gland.

However, assistant manager Jimmy Bell is confident the trio will be fit for Saturday's trip to Field Mill.

"Michael couldn't eat anything over the weekend because his mouth was swollen, but he has done light training this week," he said.

"Andy has got a problem with his shoulder but he has seen a couple of doctors and it isn't dislocated or displaced. But he might need an injection for it before the weeeknd.

"Hopefully Jay will return to training today.

"It's just round about this time of year when teams get a lot of injuries and suspensions."

Captain Peter Cavanagh will sit out the first round game after picking up his fifth booking of the season, while defender Robbie Williams has been ruled out with a groin strain.

"I think this weekend's game will come a bit too soon for Robbie," Bell added.

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