Doncaster blow as McCombe ruled out with back injury until Christmas

The defender, an ever present in the side until the injury forced him out of Saturday’s win over Shrewsbury Town, moved to Doncaster in the summer and had formed an impressive partnership with captain Rob Jones.

McCombe, who won promotion from League One with Huddersfield last season, is tonight likely to be again replaced by Shelton Martis when Chesterfield head to the Keepmoat.

Manager Dean Saunders said: “It is not a good injury for him being a such a big lad. It is a shame as he has got himself as fit as could be.

“We have probably got an estimated time of two to three months.”

Doncaster, one of only two Yorkshire sides to lift the Football League Trophy in 30 years, are tonight looking to knock out the holders with Chesterfield having beaten Swindon Town 2-0 at Wembley last March.

With those memories still so fresh in the mind, the Spireites are understandably keen on a return to the national stadium.

Manager Tommy Wright said: “After that great day at Wembley last season I would be mad not to take the competition seriously. We are a bit thin on the ground with bodies, which obviously we wish we weren’t. But we are so we will just get on with it.

“I know quite a lot about Doncaster.

“I think he (Saunders) is a bit thin on the ground but his starting eleven are a good side and it will be a tough game.”

Last six games: Doncaster Rovers DDLWLW, Chesterfield WWDDLW.

Referee: J Adcock (Nottinghamshire).

Last time: Doncaster Rovers 1 Chesterfield 0; October 21, 2006; League One.