WANDERERS boss Gary Waddock has everything crossed that Dave Winfield will be well enough to return to the side for Saturday's FA Cup tie at Fleetwood Town.

The big defender missed last weekend's draw with Notts County after being laid low with a sickness bug and wasn't able to train on Monday and Tuesday as a result.

And with James Tunnicliffe out injured, Marvin McCoy away on international duty and Winfield a doubt, Waddock has a defensive headache on his hands ahead of the trip to Highbury.

Injuries and players being unavailable aren't just confined to Blues' back four however, with captain Gareth Ainsworth out for a month with a broken thumb and Kevin Betsy away on international duty.

Referring to Winfield, Waddock told the Bucks Free Press: "Today is the first day he's been in. Obviously he's going to be weak. We'll have to look at him today and see how he is physically after the session. We can't take any risks either because both him and Johnno [Leon Johnson] are on four bookings. We've got to take everything into account.

"We've got young Anthony Stewart as well. Whether that's the right time to put him in or not, we'll have to wait and see.

"Tunny's been out, Dave Winfield was out Saturday, McCoy's away. It's all sent to test you."

Waddock has been handed a boost with the news Grant Basey has been cleared to play by parent club Peterborough United after Blues extended the full-back's loan period until the end of the year.

But the Blues boss admits Fleetwood will start Saturday's cup tie as favourites.

Only goal difference is keeping the Cod Army off the top of the Conference and they have scored 19 goals in their last six games.

Waddock said: "It's a very difficult, tricky tie for us. They are joint top of the Conference and I know how difficult that league is.

"Fleetwood would be the favourites. They are going to be right up for the game. We have to make sure we go there with the right attitude - if we don't that's why there's cup upsets, and obviously we don't want one."

The Lancashire side warmed up for the game by beating league favourites Luton Town at Kenilworth Road and Waddock said: "That tells you how good they are, to go to Luton and win is a big achievement so they are going into the game full of confidence. We have to make sure we match them for confidence and attitude."