Barrow AFC will have to mend and make do in defence again for tomorrow’s match at Eastleigh after their options at the back were further depleted at Wrexham in midweek.

Wing-back Jack Barthram appeared to injure his ankle in a challenge with former AFC teammate Akil Wright in the second half of the impressive 3-1 win at the Racecourse Ground.

The incident happened almost straight after Barthram had come on as substitute for Josh Kay and, although he tried to struggle on, he had to be helped from the field, having been on it for just five minutes.

The 25-year-old is the fifth defender the Bluebirds have on the sidelines, with club captain Josh Granite (ankle), Sam Hird (hamstring), Brian Wilson (calf) and Connor Brown (knee) already out.

All this means midfielder Jason Taylor may have to drop back again.

Manager Ian Evatt, a former centre back himself, joked he may have to make a comeback, saying: “I might need to dig my boots out.

“It’s not ideal, but it is what it is. It’s football and we have to get on with it.”

Barthram wasn’t the only player forced off injured against Wrexham, as striker Dior Angus had to be replaced after 22 minutes, following a challenge from Dragons centre-back Kieran Kennedy.

“We’re used to it now,” Evatt said, adding: “I don’t think I’ve been able to pick the same team all season.

“Rhys Turner hurt his hamstring in the warm-up and I thought the tackle on Jack Barthram was a red card, to be honest.

“I thought it was a bad tackle and if you have a look at the man’s leg it looks a nasty one, so it probably should have been a red.

“That’s unfortunate for him and Dior has gone over on his ankle.

“It’s not ideal and we are down to bare bones, but I must say that the lads who came on and the lads who are playing out of position were magnificent.

“Their effort, commitment and desire to win that football match was second to none.”