Huddersfield Town head coach Martin Drury has confirmed the club will bring in a new assistant following Alan Knill's departure, while revealing a significant defensive injury crisis. Murray Wallace is set for an eight-week absence with a knee injury and Radinio Balker will be out for two to three weeks with a hamstring issue.

Knill, who joined the club in July after leaving Sheffield United, informed the club of his decision to leave for personal reasons after the 3-1 win at Burton Albion earlier this month. The 61-year-old's exit leaves Jon Stead and Dale Tonge as the remaining first-team coaches.

"Yes, we've had some discussions," Drury said about the search for a replacement. The news comes as Huddersfield prepare for a top-of-the-table clash at league leaders Plymouth Argyle this Saturday, sitting fourth in League One with 16 points from nine games. The Terriers have scored 12 goals in those nine matches, averaging 1.33 goals per game.

Defensive blow

The injuries to Wallace and Balker, both sustained late in last Saturday's 2-2 Yorkshire derby draw with Sheffield Wednesday, leave a major hole in central defence. Wallace suffered his knee problem in the closing stages, while Balker picked up his hamstring issue in the final quarter of the match.

There is some positive news, however. Derensili Sanches Fernandes, who came off with knee discomfort in the same game, is expected to be available for the trip to Devon. Captain Ryan Ledson and midfielder David Kasumu are also due back in contention next weekend, providing a timely boost.

Squad stretched

The club's injury list now stands at seven players, with Marcus McGuane and Jack Whatmough remaining long-term absentees. "We've got seven players out now, so what that does is provide an opportunity for the players to come in," Drury added.

Huddersfield's recent form shows two wins, two draws and one loss from their last five outings, a run that includes a 5-0 thrashing of Rochdale. They face a Plymouth side who are statistically one of the most direct teams in the division and sit three points clear at the summit. The Terriers' next fixture is away to Plymouth Argyle on Saturday, 28 September. The Terriers' next assignment is at Home Park this Saturday.

This story first appeared at yorkshirepost.co.uk