Whiteman out for 'a while' with ankle injury

Preston North End captain Ben Whiteman faces a spell on the sidelines after picking up a "nasty" ankle injury during a training session.

The midfielder had missed games against Luton and Watford because of suspension afterpicking up 10 yellow cards so far this season, but the injury has now ruled him out for an extended period.

"Ben's going to be a while. When he was training while we were away, he just rocked his ankle and it's a bit of a nasty one," manager Paul Heckingbottom told BBC Radio Lancashire.

Whiteman has played in 27 matches in all competitions for Preston so far this season and Heckingbottom said he might now be forced to look to the transfer market to bolster his midfield options.

"It's a blow. We'd be daft not to look at trying to improve in that area but only if someone's going to add to the squad," he added.