Coventry City have been rocked by a double injury blow. Two of their main strikers Noel Whelan and John Aloisi will be out for at least another five weeks.

Whelan has already been out for nine weeks with an ankle problem and Aloisi has been sidelined for seven weeks. Whelan twisted his ankle as he fell awkwardly against Manchester United in August and Aloisi picked up a knee injury against Leeds United in mid-September.

Whelan travelled to London to see a Harley Street specialist for the results of a bone scan and was told he did not need surgery.

Coventry’s manager Gordon Strachan said:

"Noel has been told he will not need an operation, which is good news. He can start running but has to avoid repetitive kicking.

"He will not be ready until after the November break for the international games.

"John has to build up the muscles around his knee and will be out for about six weeks yet."

The injury news could bring a debut start for on-loan Belgian striker Cedric Roussel against Watford at Highfield Road on Sunday. The 21 year old had made two substitute appearances since arriving from Ghent two weeks ago.

Gordon Strachan meanwhile has praised Watford’s manager Graham Taylor.

"He's one of the better managers," says Strachan.

"Others have grabbed the limelight but he has just wanted to get on with the job.

"He has done a good job wherever he has been. When he was England’s manager some people considered he was an easy target and the hyenas came out. But hyenas are not very brave.

"I am not surprised Graham has come through all the knocks to be a success again. I would think he is stronger mentally than at any time in his career and that will come through in his players."