Evans played through a leg injury in the MK Dons loss

"We played well in the first half, then Steve Evans took a knock," said Smith.

"He should have come off at half time but battled on because we're so short, then Neil Roberts was injured as well."

Roberts' ankle injury is not as bad as first feared, and he should be fit for Saturday's game at Mansfield along with Evans and Lee Roche (leg injuries).

But all three are likely to miss Tuesday's Johnstone's Paint Trophy tie with Rochdale at the Racecourse.

People say we should bring players in on loan but it isn't easy Denis Smith

Danny Williams and Ryan Valentine will be available for that game, though.

"We're in the midst of an injury crisis and it's causing a lot of problems," said Smith, whose side have plummeted down the table after losing six of their last seven.

"People say we should bring players in on loan but it isn't easy. I thought I had two lined up last week, but they fell through at the last minute.

"The injuries are frustrating, especially when we had such a good first half against MK Dons.

"We will improve and the squad will get stronger.