Preston injury list grows

Paul Simpson has added Paul McKenna and Dave Hibbert to his injury list.

Preston boss Paul Simpson is facing further additions to his injury list as Paul McKenna and Dave Hibbert join Simon Whaley for extended spells on the sidelines.

With Whaley facing a lengthy recuperation after suffering a broken toe in a freak accident while training in Spain, fellow midfielder McKenna could join him if it is recommended he has surgery on a groin injury.

McKenna is due to visit a specialist to decide the best course of action on the long-standing injury, and Simpson is keen to get the problem solved.

"We've had a problem with Paul McKenna for quite a while now and we have had to nurse him through," he told the club's official website.

"We have got him an appointment to see a specialist, but there's a good chance he may need an operation over the weekend and that could mean anything from two to six weeks out of action.

"We will assess the situation once he has seen the specialist."

Hibbert, too, could be out for up to six weeks after sustaining an injury while on loan at Bradford.

The striker, who had a spell at Rotherham earlier this season, damaged his ankle in The Bantams' 1-1 draw with Brentford.

"From the result of the scan, it looks as though we've lost David for four to six weeks," Bradford's caretaker boss David Wetherall told the Telegraph & Argus.

"It's obviously disappointing and a blow for everyone, but we are awaiting further specialist advice."