Lincoln City boss Chris Sutton counts the missing men ahead of Grimsby clash

Injuries, illness and suspension could rob Lincoln City of almost their entire left-hand side for Saturday's crunch League Two relegation derby clash against Grimsby Town.

Manager Chris Sutton faces the biggest test of his fledgling managerial career with Eric Lichaj suspended for one more game, Aaron Brown unavailable for three matches following his dismissal against Cheltenham on Saturday, Sergio Torres (pictured above) out with an ankle injury sustained in the same game and Joe Heath a doubt through illness.

Khano Smith played as emergency left-back against the Robins following Brown's sending off but youngster Luca-Coleman Carr could be drafted in – or Sutton could change formation.

Adding to his concerns, central defender Adam Watts is struggling with a hamstring injury while right-back Paul Green is still some considerable time away from a first-team return.

The injury list makes for unhappy reading as Sutton attempts to haul the Imps away from the League Two drop zone.

"Torres was assessed yesterday and we don't know the details yet but it doesn't look great," admitted Sutton of his Argentinian loan capture, who sustained the injury after falling badly on his ankle in the 23rd minute of Saturday's game.

"It's a blow because he has that creativity which can open sides up.

"Khano Smith did OK when he came on and when he switched to left-back he showed good athleticism. He didn't do badly at all.

"Joe, unfortunately, became ill over the weekend which isn't great for us or for him.

"I'm not totally sure about what's wrong with him but he wasn't well at all over the weekend. We'll just see how he progresses.

"The situation is not ideal at all but we'll just have to deal with it and move on with what we've got."

For more on this story see today's Lincolnshire Echo.