Longstaff (right) in action for Great Britain

Newcastle Vipers captain David Longstaff has been ruled out for up to six weeks with a knee injury.

Longstaff visited a specialist on Sunday and was advised to concentrate being fit for the play-offs, leaving coach Rob Wilson disappointed.

"Losing David was the last thing we needed right now," said Wilson.

"We're hurting right across the board and especially having a smaller bench is costing us. This team still has lots to give and lots of character left."

After releasing forward Mark Rooneem and the departure of defenceman Tyler Kindle, the Vipers roster was already depleted on numbers.

VIPERS ON THE TREATMENT TABLE David Longstaff - Knee Matic Kralj - Nose Ben Campbell - Shoulder?

Meanwhile Slovenian forward Matic Kralj has broken his nose following a hit by Coventry's Jason Robinson, while the Vipers are waiting of news regarding Ben Campbell's injured shoulder.

"I can confirm that Matic has broken his nose," said Wilson.

"However he will be playing in Nottingham on Saturday and will be involved in Fan Appreciation Night on Sunday.

"We're still waiting to hear about Ben but it's looking touch-and-go right now so he might be another body we'll be losing. He struggled against Hull on Saturday and in the end had to come off at the end of the first in Coventry which just sums things up."

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