Marsden having op today

Marsden chipped a bone in his ankle and also snapped a ligament in a challenge that saw him sent off in Saturday's 2-1 win over Gainsborough Trinity.

He is likely to be ruled out for at least three months, and is now going for surgery in order to avoid any later complications.

"Justin was having an operation this morning," boss Rob Smith confirmed. "The bone that he chipped needs to be screwed back on or it will never heal properly.

"While he's having that done, they're just going to have a look at the ligaments as well. I think this is a good thing, and it will speed up his recovery if anything.

"He went to hospital in Telford on Saturday night and was referred to Walsgrave Hospital in Coventry the next day to have his cast changed.

"The surgeon there decided it wouldn't just heal on its own and that he should have an operation."

Smith believes Marsden will recover in time to allow him to still play a significant part in the club's first season in Blue Square North.

And he is convinced the former Solihull Borough hitman will show the necessary attitude during his extended period of rehabilitation.

"I'm gutted for Justin but he'll be back this side of Christmas hopefully, and it'll be an important time because we will have some big games where he will have a part to play," added Smith.

"Justin will be around the place over the next few weeks too, he's the sort that would want to be involved.

"I had a year out with an injury myself, and I always made sure I was there every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday - and Justin's the same."

Meanwhile, the rest of the Telford squad were in training at Cosford last night in what is their first game-free midweek of the campaign.

"We did quite a bit of running because it's important to make sure we keep our fitness levels up," added Smith.