 Ricketts landed awkwardly on his shoulder in the FA Cup tie |
Preston striker Michael Ricketts is expected to make a swift return from the shoulder injury he picked up against Manchester City on Sunday. Ricketts, 28, was carried off in the 41st minute of North End's 3-1 FA Cup defeat after falling heavily.
X-rays have revealed that he did not dislocate his shoulder as was first thought but instead suffered back and neck spasms.
Ricketts could be fit to return to action next week.
He was replaced up front against City by Patrick Agyemang.
Simpson also had striker Neil Mellor among his substitutes and the Preston boss is confident his squad can cope with Ricketts' absence.
He added: "The only positive thing is that we have got other players to cover.
"Patrick came on and it was earlier than we really wanted him to. Danny Dichio is probably going to get an opportunity now and we are lucky we have got other players who can come in and do a job."
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