Walsall's Hancock and Stuttle out for 'significant' time

Mat Sadler said it was "unsettling" for the team to lose both players to injury

Walsall head coach Mat Sadler says defender Mason Hancock and striker Jonny Stuttle face extended periods out of action after both suffered "significant" injuries in Tuesday's narrow home defeat by Grimsby Town.

Hancock, 22, and teenager Stuttle, 19, both arrived at the club during the summer - from Airdrieonians and on loan from Bournemouth respectively - but were forced off with what looked like knee injuries either side of half-time.

"Obviously we'll see what the injuries are but it looks significant," Sadler told BBC Radio WM.

"It's difficult when it happens to two players, who we're just gaining those relationships with.

"It was unsettling but something we had to overcome. It's gutting for them. We hope they're OK but it looks like they'll be out for a significant time."

Although Sadler was frustrated with the result against the Mariners, and the ruling out of a potential equaliser for offside, he said he was "not disappointed by what I saw" from his side and was happy his players "kept going and emptied the tank".

But he said the loss of Hancock and Stuttle - two of 12 players signed so far this term - may make him ponder dipping back into the transfer market before the window closes on 1 September.

"The only saving grace when you have two injuries like that is that the window is still open," Sadler said.

"So we will see what that looks like and make some potential adjustments."