Cobblers boss Aidy Boothroyd is set to receive a double defensive boost for the visit of Bradford City to Sixfields on Tuesday night (7.45pm kick-off) with John Johnson and Danny East due to return to full fitness.
Chris Hackett, who has been deputising at right-back, is likely to miss the game with a groin injury sustained during the 4-0 loss at Barnet on Friday.
Goalkeeper Shane Higgs will be available for selection after a concussion, but Boothroyd will still be without three further players who would be considered first-team regulars.
David Artell and Luke Guttridge will be out until January, while Ben Harding is now in the fourth week of a six-week rehabilitation for an Achilles injury, and remains in a protective boot.
The game against the Bantams is the first of two in the space of 10 days, with Bradford back at Sixfields on November 3 for an FA Cup first-round tie.
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