Simon Weaver addresses Harrogate Town's defensive selection problem ahead of Scunthorpe United clash

Centre-half Will Smith and left-back Dan Jones have been ruled out until well into the New Year through injury, while right-back Ryan Fallowfield is struggling with a tight hamstring and Kevin Lokko is suspended following his late red card against Blackpool on Saturday.

Fallowfield could feature against the Iron if he passes a fitness test on Monday, though if he isn't deemed ready to return then Simon Weaver will only have Warren Burrell, Connor Hall and Jake Lawlor at his disposal.

"We are short in terms of defenders, it's as simple as that," the Town boss said.

"We're hoping that one will be back in Ryan Fallowfield, but we'll just have to monitor him on Monday.

"He'll have treatment all through the weekend and if he's back, then great, if not we're short but we just have to dig in.

"I think Kev [Lokko's] ban will be immediate, which is a shame for him and I feel for him, because he's had to be patient.

"It's the first time we've had a problem with injuries for about four years. There have been seasons where I've had eight or nine out all at once. This will show just how much we've got in the changing room in terms of spirit. We'll be fine."

On-loan Salford City man Jones pulled his groin in training last Thursday, and although he was not initially thought to have a serious problem, an MRI Scan has subsequently revealed that he has suffered an avulsion fracture to several of his adductor muscles.

This means that tendon has been pulled away from the bone in his groin and that the left-back needs surgery. Thus, he is facing around 12 weeks on the sidelines.

"I wasn't half surprised when we found out the severity of Dan's injury," Weaver added.

"It's horrible really. We just started to look as if we'd got that balanced look about us at Mansfield with him on the left.

"His long throw-in is a massive weapon, as well as his quality on the ball and he's good defensively.

"He's settled in really well with the group and I just feel sorry for him, primarily, but also, as the manager, I'm left without a good left-back."