Preston manager Alan Irvine will be without striker Craig Beattie and defender Liam Chilvers for Saturday's Championship trip to Blackpool.On-loan West Brom frontman Beattie lasted just 38 minutes of his debut at Leicester before sustaining a torn hamstring injury which is set to keep him out for the next six to eight weeks.

Chilvers underwent surgery on Wednesday on his ruptured Achilles and could be out of action for up to nine months.

Defender Michael Hart is nearing full fitness following his hip injury and is set to play for the reserves against Morecambe on Thursday.

However, the January signing from Aberdeen is not expected to feature in the eagerly-anticipated Bloomfield Road clash while midfielder Richard Chaplow is still doubtful with his hamstring injury.

Kick-off at Bloomfield Road is 12.30pm.

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