Neill Byrne could be back within a month

The 21-year-old centre-half was stretchered off in the second half of the defeat at Barnet last Saturday after injuring his ankle.

At the time, it was feared Byrne had suffered a fracture but scans later confirmed ligament damage.

Relieved manager Liam Watson now says the Irishman should be back in time for his team's busy Christmas programme.

He said: "It is not as bad as first thought so he won't be out as long as we initially thought he would be.

"I would have thought he would be back within the month. I would be extremely surprised if he wasn't back in time for the Christmas run in."

Byrne's was the latest of several injuries which have blighted the Bucks in recent weeks, prompting Watson to bring in Karl Ledsham from Lincoln City and Kyle Brownhill from Hyde on loan.

But the problems appear to be subsiding now and with several players back in contention – only Sean Clancy is still sidelined with a broken collarbone and ribs – he says it is unlikely there will be further additions.

Midfielder Kristian Platt (hamstring) returned to the bench for Tuesday's FA Cup clash with Basingstoke while Mike Grogan – who is suspended tomorrow – has recovered from an ankle injury.

And with Ledsham and Brownhill, who were cup-tied on Tuesday, also available this weekend, Watson has greater selection options for the coming games.