DAVID CUFFLEY Goalkeeper David Marshall is likely to be out of action for at least six weeks after suffering an ankle injury in Norwich City's FA Cup defeat at Chelsea on Saturday.

DAVID CUFFLEY

Goalkeeper David Marshall is likely to be out of action for at least six weeks after suffering an ankle injury in Norwich City's FA Cup defeat at Chelsea on Saturday.

The on-loan Celtic keeper, pictured, was carried off in the early stages of the 4-0 reverse at Stamford Bridge and manager Peter Grant said today: “The X-ray was clear but that doesn't make it any better. He'll go for scans today.

“We think there is ligament damage and it doesn't look that great.

“I would say the best we can hope for is maybe six weeks.”

Grant is staring at a long list of absentees for tomorrow night's Championship match at Preston.

With Darren Huckerby and Dickson Etuhu both suspended for one match, midfielder Youssef Safri is also rated “very doubtful” because of tiredness.

Defender Jason Shackell has a sore heel but is expected to play, while winger Lee Croft and striker Chris Brown were both complaining of “tightness” but may well have to carry on because of the lack of numbers.

There was better news for Grant on winger Luke Chadwick, who is expected to resume full training next Monday after three months out with a knee injury.

Preston have their own injury worries. Striker Michael Ricketts could be out for several weeks after suffering a shoulder injury in yesterday's 3-1 FA Cup defeat at home to Manchester City.