SWINDON Town will have to contend with a threadbare squad in their quest to reach the third round of the FA Cup after it was revealed that of their injured players, only goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux has recovered in time to make the trip to Stevenage on Saturday.

Timi Elsnik, Dion Conroy and Chris Hussey are all long-term absentees, while this weekend’s clash is likely to be too soon for Amine Linganzi, Luke Norris and Donal McDermott to make their comebacks.

Town could also be without two additional players on top of that as Tom Smith is cup-tied following a loan spell at National League South side Bath City, while the club are still awaiting clearance from Crystal Palace to allow on-loan forward Keshi Anderson to play.

Swindon assistant manager Ben Futcher admitted the long list of absentees was tough to contend with, but believes Saturday’s cup clash at the Lamex Stadium provides the opportunity for other members of the squad to come to the fore.

“We have been unfortunate in the last couple of weeks and there are still quite a few injuries. Lawrence Vigouroux has cleared up, he is back training, but that’s about it, really. We are still short,” said Futcher.

“Amine Linganzi is still working with the medical team but it is looking unlikely, Luke Norris did not train today (Thursday), Donal McDermott is getting closer but we think Saturday might be too soon.

“It’s a case of slowly but surely. It’s a difficult one as you want them back in but you don’t want to rush them, so we have to get the balance right.

“We are monitoring them daily but it is looking very unlikely at the moment.

“We are still waiting on confirmation back from Crystal Palace on Keshi Anderson. He couldn’t play in the first round but we are trying to get confirmation for the second round. We are still waiting on that and it might go down to the wire.

“Injuries are going to affect you but I don’t want to use it as an excuse.

“Timi Elsnik was in fantastic form, Amine Linganzi was in fantastic form but you can’t do anything about it, you have just got to deal with it and that is what the squad is there for. The lads that come in have got to take their opportunity when it comes about.”

Town’s win at National League South side Dartford back on November 5 ended a run of five consecutive first round eliminations for the club in the FA Cup.

David Flitcroft’s troops will now look to reach the third round of the competition for the first time since the 2011-12 campaign.