Jon Brady has limited options ahead of Tuesday night’s Papa John’s Trophy tie with Brighton & Hove Albion under 21s at Sixfields, kick-off 7pm.
“The squad is hugely stretched and in defence I’d say we are over stretched,” he said.
“We’ve had a couple more illnesses over the weekend, it’s not Covid but it’s quite unfortunate and it’s probably just a sign of the times at the moment. Footballers are not immune to picking up bugs.
“We aren’t able to bring in any cover because there is nothing out there so we just have to manipulate things the best we can and we will give opportunities to young players.
“Losing Aaron McGowan is a huge blow, we will have to see how he goes this week but he’s touch and go for the weekend.”