Stags are definitely without Martin McIntosh (suspended) and Lee Bell (knee operation) and also have doubts over Gareth Jelleyman (facial injuries) and Alex John-Baptiste (back strain).

But midfielder Stephen Dawson is back after a one game ban and youngsters Danny Sleath and Ryan Goward will make up the numbers.

"Lee is back doing some light running but it is too soon for a return yet," said manager Billy Dearden.

"Alex is also running but is very doubtful. Gareth lost some teeth and suffered concussion on Saturday, but he went down to the University Hospital in Nottingham to get the teeth put back in and, although he is touch and go, we are hopeful he will play.

"It is not the easiest trip to be making tomorrow with what we've got but we have got to do it – it's as simple as that."

Dearden is hoping this will be the last league game his struggling side will play without the boost of new faces with the transfer window re-opening tomorrow.

"It is all talk on the phone just now," he said. "But having the cup game at Brighton on Saturday gives me a little bit more time.

"But I would like to get things sorted sooner than later and would hope to have the new players in training with us at the start of next week before the Wycombe game on the Tuesday."

Mansfield's 2-1 home reversal against Accrington Stanley on Saturday was their third defeat in four games and tomorrow they face a Dons side that are unbeaten in six and, indeed, have won seven and drawn one of their last nine outings.