Mansfield likely to be without Hayden White for Port Vale clash

Defender Hayden White is almost certain to be missing for Mansfield’s League Two clash with Port Vale on Saturday.

White was forced off during the first half of last weekend’s victory over Chesterfield with a hamstring problem and has not made the progress that had been hoped for this week so Rhys Bennett is likely to start.

On-loan striker Ricky Miller picked up his own hamstring issue earlier this month and remains sidelined while defender David Mirfin is also out as he continues to recover from knee surgery.

Last weekend’s victory reignited Mansfield’s play-off challenge and the Stags head into the weekend in eighth place, one point behind Coventry in seventh.

Port Vale, who could make certain of English Football League safety this weekend, welcome back Danny Pugh.

The experienced midfielder has sat out the last three matches following his red card against Chesterfield and could come straight back into the side.

But boss Neil Aspin might decide to stick with the same XI that defeated high-flying Lincoln last weekend to take a giant leap towards safety.

Cristian Montano has been ruled out for the season with a hamstring injury.