Coventry vs Oldham Athletic AFC - Sam Ricketts banned for Coventry's clash with Oldham

Sam Ricketts is banned for Coventry as they look to close the gap at the top of Sky Bet League One when they face Oldham.

The skipper was sent off in Sunday's 1-0 defeat at Sheffield United and will sit out against Oldham, with Aaron Phillips in line to deputise.

Newcastle's Gael Bigirimana could return to the matchday squad after being the odd one out at United with Coventry only allowed to pick five loanees. The Sky Blues currently have six.

Tony Mowbray's side are five points behind leaders Burton and will be hoping James Maddison is fit after a gradual return following an ankle injury which has kept him out since August.

Jay Fulton will play his last game for struggling Oldham.

The Swansea midfielder's loan deal ends after the match, while full-back Richard Eckersley has reached the end of his brief contract after joining the side in the middle of September.

Long-term injury victims Jonathan Burn and Eoghan O'Connell, who return to their parent clubs on January 1, are unlikely to play for 23rd-placed Oldham again.

Cameron Dummingan (groin) and Lee Croft (ankle) could make a return to the side but Jonathan Forte (knee) is still out injured.