Wanderers were reeling from a major injury blow today when Mixu Paatelainen was ruled out of the start of the new season.

The big Finn, one of Colin Todd's three frontline strikers, was given the news after undergoing a bone scan on his injured foot.

He will be in plaster for three weeks and must now wait until September before he is fit again for first team selection.

"It's a blow because he'd done extremely well in pre-season before getting his injury," Todd said.

"And it's particularly unfortunate for Mixu because he had problems at around the same time last season. You just can't legislate for injuries; we thought he would be okay with this one but he took another knock in training.

"Even when the plaster comes off he's going to have to work hard again to get his fitness right so we're not just talking about him missing the first couple of games."

Paatelainen is the only serious casualty on a long pre-season injury list, although centre-backs Gudni Bergsson and Simon Coleman, who both have achilles injuries, and Scott Sellars (knee), are also ruled out of tonight's friendly at Rotherham where Danish duo Per Frandsen and Michael Johansen will make their second appearances. Wanderers will also be without Nathan Blake. He has recovered from a calf injury but has been given compassionate leave because of a family bereavement. John McGinlay is also doubtful with a slight groin strain so Fabian de Freitas, who has not figured in any senior squad to date, is expected to partner Scott Taylor in attack.

Tickets for Wanderers second home game of the season at home to Norwich on August 24 went on sale to members, shareholders and Lifeline members today and will go on open sale from Monday

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