Defensive dilemma for Blues ahead of Cheltenham clash

Sep 7 2012 By Greg Burns

Anthony Stewart

WYCOMBE'S defensive woes continue as they build up to the visit of Cheltenham with Anthony Stewart ruled out with a dead leg.

The defender (pictured) limped off with the injury at Southend last weekend and looks set to miss the visit of the Robins on Saturday.

On-loan right-back Adam Thompson is unavailable after being called up the Northern Ireland U21 squad this weekend while Danny Foster is still not ready to return to first-team action despite 90 minutes in a friendly on Wednesday.

Despite the crisis, Blues boss Gary Waddock insists he will not make the same mistake of rushing Foster back into the side after trying to re-introduce fellow defender Dave Winfield too soon.

“We have got problems there,” he said. “When you look at it with Marv out, Fozzy being out, Basey has been out, Anthony has an injury, Thompson has gone away, Dave has been out so it is a problem but we will cope.

“It is too early for him (Foster) to start the game. I started Dave against Bristol Rovers and it was too early for him. I put him in at the deep end and it didn't work and I won't be doing that again with him and Fozzy.”

Midfielder Matt Bloomfield has still not returned to full training this week with a groin complaint and remains a doubt for the game but Jo Kuffour is likely to feature days after signing a two-year contract.

Waddock admits he is looking for a reaction from his players after their poor performance as they went down to defeat last weekend.

He said: “You look for a reaction. Once they cross that white line they have to produce.

“It is about personal pride and you don't want to be going home without putting in a performance or looking in the mirror and feeling you didn't do enough.

“They have to make sure they produce for their fans, their families and for themselves. We haven't started or finished strongly in game and we are hoping, this Saturday, it happens.”

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