Robbie Gotts could return for Barrow AFC next week but Josh Kay looks set for a spell on the sidelines, manager Mark Cooper says.

Midfielder Gotts is the closest of the Bluebirds’ injured troops to a comeback.

The former Leeds United man could return at Hartlepool United next Tuesday after a groin problem.

Kay, though, is sidelined after his curtailed cameo appearance as a substitute late in the 1-0 victory at Northampton Town on Tuesday.

Cooper said: “It was a tackle and he [Kay] has damaged some ligaments in his ankle.

“Gotts will be the next one back I think. He’ll be available for Hartlepool.

“We probably could risk him on Saturday, but we want to make sure it’s right this time, because he came back too early before.”

Cooper said Josh Gordon and Joe Grayson, whilst still unavailable, are set to resume training next week.

The manager, meanwhile, admitted Jamie Devitt was unfortunate with injuries during his time at Holker Street.

The midfielder left the club on transfer deadline day and joined Carlisle United.

Cooper said: “Devs has been beset with injuries this year.

“He played the second game against Scunthorpe and tore his thigh, he was out for a long time with that, then came back and tore his calf.

“He’s only just got back to fitness. He was out of contract in the summer and it was about Jamie getting some games and giving himself an opportunity to get a deal next year, for his family.

“He’s a great pro, a great lad, a good player - just injuries killed him at Barrow.”

Exeter City, meanwhile, say they expect Barrow loan striker Offrande Zanzala to feature again this season despite needng surgery on a knee injury.

The forward suffered the injury in his second loan outing for the Grecians at Walsall last month and requires an operation.

Exeter boss Matt Taylor told his club's website: "The operation will take place a week on Saturday and we will only know fully [his lay-off] when the surgeon gives his final report.

"It is a straightforward one in terms of taking the minicus and his cartilage out of his knee, and that could be a four to six-week job, but the second tear is a little bit more complicated and will require some more repair work.

"How detailed that repair work is will determine how long he is out for.

"We still hope and expect him to play a part this season and we are all looking forward to when that happens. First things first, let him get through that surgery and see how he reports back.

"Only when the surgeon goes fully into the knee will we know the timeframe."