Chesterfield forward Jack Lester will be out for up to six weeks following the news that he is to have an operation on his right knee to repair a tear to his lateral meniscus.

This has come about due to wear and tear rather than a specific injury and follows a scan and consultation with a specialist. 

Meanwhile, Phil Picken will be out for two to three weeks after picking up a medial ligament strain on the training ground.

Better news about Drew Talbot who has been given the all-clear following a scan after sustaining a soft tissue injury to his left ankle in the home league game against Shrewsbury Town January. 

He could be back in contention for the weekend, if not the week after at Darlington.