Macca blow

Tests have ruled out a break but the Italian's ankle has been put in plaster to give it a chance to settle down. Further tests will be carried out next week.

Macca is added to an ever growing injury list, and this is before the season starts. Ugo Ehiogu and David Murphy are already ruled out while George Boateng and Michael Ricketts are in a race to be fit.

Malcolm Christie and Szilard Nemeth could be set to start the season up front, with Joseph-Desire Job also in the frame.