York City set to add two new defenders to depleted squad

One is a replacement for Lanre Oyebanjo, who has suffered another injury setback, although neither deal is expected to be finalised in time for the players to feature in tomorrow night’s National League clash at table-topping Lincoln.

City chief Gary Mills has decided the times is right to further bolster his ranks with Oyebanjo joining Clovis Kamdjo (knee), Matt Fry (knee), Yan Klukoswki (calf) and Simon Lappin (Achilles) in the treatment room.

Danny Holmes, meanwhile, will also be absent at Sincil Bank as he serves a one-match ban following his red card during Saturday’s 1-0 FA Trophy home win over Brackley Town.

On his recruitment plans, Mills revealed: “I’m looking to bring in a player tomorrow, but don’t think he will be available for the game because we’re waiting on international clearance and we’re also looking at getting one more possibly. They’re both defenders and, because of injuries, I feel we have no choice but to do that.

“I wanted a small squad, but it’s got a lot, lot smaller.”

Callum Rzonca has returned from a loan spell at Harrogate Town but, along with Danny Galbraith and Ben Clappison, is not under consideration for the first team – a group of frozen-out players that has been shortened with Ben Barber’s farming out to Curzon Ashton.

Right-back Oyebanjo, who has suffered hamstring and knee problems this season, has now pulled a thigh muscle and is facing another significant spell on the sidelines with Mills adding: “Lanre hasn’t looked right since coming back and, now he’s picked something else up, I can’t look at him and think he’ll be back soon, so I’ll be trying to address that with who I bring in.”

Klukowski is less of a concern, but is not in contention against the Imps.

“We’re investigating it and looking at where the problem is stemming from, because it could be related to his back,” Mills pointed out. “It’s causing him discomfort, but we don’t think it’s anything major and are hoping he will be back for Saturday.”