Paul James is calling for a big performance from the Wolves

Worcester Wolves have a major injury worry ahead of Friday's vital BBL game against Milton Keynes Lions.

Head coach Paul James admits free-scoring forward Danny Gilbert is struggling with a groin injury.

"On Sunday I was really pleased with how the other team members raised their games with Danny on the sidelines.

"But you can't lose a player who has made the BBL Team of the Week on multiple occasions and not feel the effects," he added.

Gilbert picked up the groin injury in the demolition of Essex Pirates at the University on Saturday 26 March which forced him to sit out Sunday's 99-95 home victory over the Lions.

The Wolves now stand in equal-seventh place in the BBL table with the Lions a place below them.

We pretty much have to win on Friday to keep our season alive Worcester Wolves head coach Paul James

Both sides have beaten each other this term so the outcome of this week's encounter could prove vital in deciding who makes the play-offs, should they end the season with identical win-loss records.

It has been a frustrating season for James so far but he says the squad is showing signs of running into form at just the right time.

"More of our guys have come to play recently as David Watts' outside shooting at the weekend was superb while Sam Cricelli did a job on one of the Lions main men Shawn Myers," he told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"Justin Dobbins just won't back down from anyone and Rod Middleton certainly showed his cool and experience.

"We pretty much have to win on Friday to keep our season alive and I want as many of the Worcester public as possible to come along to the University to see the action when I will be demanding my players perform for our fans."

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