Ollie Clarke

EXCLUSIVE: There was initially some hope within the camp that Clarke may even have made a return for the visit of the Spireites, however The Moonraker understands the issue has proven to be worse than originally thought.

EXCLUSIVE: The tricky winger offers different qualities to the rest of his Town teammates, particularly when taking on opponents with ball at feet. While his injury situation is good news for the Robins, The Moonraker understands captain Ollie Clarke may not be fit for the clash at Prenton Park.

Clarke was substituted at half-time in the 2-2 draw with Crawley Town last weekend, sparking concerns that he may have sustained a problem as the season reaches its crunch end.

ANALYSIS: Let’s face it, this team is very different with a motivated, motoring Clarke at its heart. Despite the acquisition of plenty of experience in recent months, there are few voices in the camp which resonate quite like the captain’s.

The club have been fined £1,000 and warned as to their future conduct in this area. Clarke, meanwhile, has been given an additional one-match ban for failing to abide by the terms of his suspension.

EXCLUSIVE: Town captain Clarke was the subject of allegations by Cardiff City players after the EFL Cup match in south Wales on August 12. The nature of the incidents in question has not been publicly disclosed.

Snowdon withdrew from training at Beversbrook on Thursday, complaining of soreness in a hamstring. He will not be risked against Tranmere, as the Town medical team take a closer look at the problem.

The Robins will definitely be missing Ollie Clarke and James Ball for the fixture, while doubts remain over the fitness of Gavin Kilkenny and Connor Ripley ahead of the game.