WANDERERS could lose three first team players for the FA Cup tie against Walsall on Saturday because of a new registration embargo.

It is understood Christian Doidge, Remi Matthews and Gary O’Neil cannot figure in the third round tie unless special dispensation is granted by the EFL and the Football Association.

Both Doidge and Matthews were due to sign for Bolton on a permanent basis before the weekend, following loan moves from Forest Green Rovers and Norwich City, respectively.

O’Neil had been on a short-term contract and was due to sign an extension to the end of the current campaign.

But The Bolton News has learned that a registration embargo has been placed on Wanderers by the league because they have at least one outstanding football creditor, leaving all three players in limbo.

One creditor is known to be The Professional Footballer’s Association, who provided a substantial loan to the club for salaries paid to football staff in both November and December.

Players were informed of the news by manager Phil Parkinson at the training ground this morning (Thursday).

Dialogue between the club and the league will continue tomorrow morning in an effort to get the embargo lifted, and the final say on any involvement for the trio would then be decided by the FA, who control registration for the cup, before the close of business today.

Striker Doidge signed for Wanderers from Forest Green in a loan-to-buy deal which could eventually be worth £1million It is understood payments of £250,000 have been agreed with the League Two club, some of which are dependent on his success at Wanderers.

It is not known whether an upfront payment was paid by Wanderers in September or whether two payments are now due - but Forest Green owner Dale Vince said earlier this week of the Doidge money: “It’s coming in instalments, and that’s fine. It doesn’t matter.”

The striker – who has made 17 appearances this season for the Whites - also hinted that the permanent contract he has agreed to sign will tie him to the North West for a considerable time in a recent interview.

“I’ve got that long-term contract, so this is a club that I can happily stay at for a long time," he told reporters after the Boxing Day victory against Rotherham United.

“Every club I have been at – Dagenham, Forest Green – I have enjoyed being there.

“I’ve enjoyed being around the community, so hopefully I can do that here."

A nominal fee is also due for goalkeeper, Matthews, after he signed on a loan-to-buy from Norwich in August.

The 24-year-old made four appearances in league and cup earlier this season when deputising for the injured Ben Alnwick, and was in-line to start against Walsall.

Experienced midfielder O’Neil penned a short-term contract in the summer which is now up for renewal, but it is understood he cannot be re-registered without permission from the league.

The matter leaves Parkinson with more selection problems in his squad for this weekend's cup game, as he looks for a response from his players following the 6-0 defeat against Hull City.

Wanderers have been contacted for comment.