Athletic skipper Matty Appleby could be out for the next month due to injury and suspension. A torn thigh muscle is currently keeping him out of the team and when he recovers in about two weeks he is likely to be hit with a ban.Appleby was sent off at Blackpool and automatically had to serve a one-match suspension already but the ban was compounded as he was also charged with misconduct.
Next Thursday, he must answer charges of using foul and abusive language towards the referee. Appleby will plead guilty and the probable outcome will be a fine and a ban of up to three games.