Gordon Strachan could find himself without five senior players going into Saturday’s important Premier League match at close neighbours Leicester City.

Gary McAllister is banned for that match and there are question marks over Magnus Hedman, Paul Telfer, Steve Froggatt and Noel Whelan.

McAllister, who captained Leicester in his five years at Filbert Street, is automatically suspended after collecting five yellow cards.

Noel Whelan could also be suspended by the FA in London tomorrow.

The striker has to appear in person to explain why he has been booked eleven times. Telfer under similar circumstances two weeks ago escaped with a fine.

But Whelan will also be dealt with tomorrow on another matter. He appears with manager Gordon Strachan and goalkeeper coach Jim Blyth – all three charged with bringing the game into disrepute after a flare up between the occupants of the dug-outs at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge ground.

If found guilty he could be suspended. With only four matches to play this season and each of them vital to Coventry City’s future, the club will not be pleased if he misses any.

Meanwhile Strachan faces worries on another front. Steve Froggatt is still under treatment for a hamstring strain and Paul Telfer is troubled by the ‘dead leg’ he received at Everton.

But the manager will be most concerned about the well-being of goalkeeper Magnus Hedman. A hospital scan revealed that the Swede was suffering from an abdominal strain following his collision with Gary Pallister in last weekend’s controversial match against Middlesbrough.

The club physios are working flat out to try to get him right for Saturday’s big match.