David Gold’s optimistic forecast that all injured personnel – bar Andy Carroll – will be fit to return for next week’s clash with Burnley at Turf Moor looks to be a little off target.

It now seems – according to the regular updates on www.physioroom.com – that only Mark Noble and Guy Demel can be counted on to return.

Carl Jenkinson – having withdrawn from the England under 21 squad with a continuing hamstring problem – is almost certain to miss the trip and James Collins is booked for a n October 20 return.

Chiekhou Kouyate’s return has now been put back to November 1 whilst Carroll is expected back by November 29.