The Stags winger was expected to recover from an ankle injury over the current two weeks without a game.

But manager Billy Dearden said: "Nathan isn't training again today, he is having more treatment, so I can't see any chance of him being fit for Saturday.

"We had expected him to respond to treatment quicker than this but it hasn't happened."

"At least we have young Chris Wood back which is a big bonus as he was playing exceptionally well before he was injured two months ago."

Brown and defender Martin McIntosh (both hamstring injuries) are both expected to be fit in two to three weeks.

Stags are still looking for their first away win of the season and have not won at Spotland in their last 10 trips there.

"Our record there is not the best and we have to do something about it – the sooner the better," he said.

"It's been a long time since we won away from home so it would be nice to do it on Saturday.

"We have been playing well recently and, although we know it will be a difficult game, we are very capable of winning if we play like we can.

"We are playing well away from home but maybe not getting the rub of the green.

"We put a lot of pressure on Hereford in the last one for the last half-hour but just didn't get that break in the box.

"Our attitude and application is the same away as it is at home, though you always expect to be under that bit more pressure away from home.

"I think we just need a bit of luck right now."