Barrow boss Stephen Clemence hopes to have a fully fit squad at his disposal in the coming weeks - but Chesterfield will come too soon for most of those currently sidelined. 

The Bluebirds' season has derailed slightly after a strong start which has seen them drop from second in the table to 12th ahead of this Saturday's trip to the SMH Group Stadium. 

And injuries to key attacking players, including top scorer Ged Garner, the powerful Emile Acquah and Kian Spence have contributed towards a poor goal return of just four in their last six matches. 

While Saturday's trip to Derbyshire will come too soon for that trio, Clemence remains hopeful of a fit squad by the time the busy Christmas period arrives. 

He said: "I think they will all be back for the Christmas period. Sam Foley will be touch-and-go for the weekend and we've had a bit of illness in the camp this week. I will be delighted when we eventually, hopefully get a clean bill of health. We haven't had much luck in the first third of the season and I do think that will change as we move on."

Clemence also suggested that Andrew Dallas could be in line for another start, having hit two goals in his last two starts against Aston Villa U21s and AFC Wimbledon. 

The on-loan Barnsley man had struggled for minutes at the beginning of the campaign but has taken his chance in the absence of Garner and Acquah. 

The manager said: "I think Andy will be feeling very pleased with himself having got a couple of goals recently. He's had to be patient, it hasn't been easy for him since he's come in on loan, because he hasn't played as much as he would have liked. But he's done well in the last couple of games, so it's good that he's in form.

"Emile and Ged have been a miss. Obviously, Emile gives you that presence up top and he's also a very good football player. So he does give you something different. Ged's also our top goalscorer this season too. Kian Spence has also been missing for a number of games, which hasn't helped either.

"So we have suffered a bit on the injury front. I see it as an opportunity for someone else to come in and take their chance. But I can't lie, injuries have hurt us this season."