Luton chief unsure over the extent of Town defender's injury suffered at Forest

Luton boss Rob Edwards wasn’t sure how serious the injury suffered by defender Reece Burke was as he was forced off during the 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

After missing the opening game of the campaign at Brighton & Hove Albion, the 27-year-old went on to start Town’s next five top flight matches, before having to be withdrawn at half time in the 2-1 victory against Everton last month.

Burke was then called on in the following defeat to Burnley, also playing a full 90 minutes in the 1-0 loss against Spurs as he looked to have shaken off the injury troubles that had blighted him since arriving at Kenilworth Road in the summer of 2021.

His eighth start was then disrupted once more as with Luton trailing 1-0 at the City Ground, Burke, who was at full tilt trying to contain winger Anthony Elanga went down when making a challenge in the second period which saw him taken off.

Manchester City loanee Issa Kabore was introduced, Town moving to a back four, as although they conceded again, the visitors hit back to draw level thanks to Chiedozie Ogbene’s volley and Elijah Adebayo’s stoppage time equaliser.

Despite the fit-again Gabe Osho able to take his place on the bench in the east Midlands, Amari’i Bell, Mads Andersen and Dan Potts remain out, the latter for some time, which leaves Edwards’ options at the back limited, with just Teden Mengi and Tom Locker the recognised centre halves.

Asked about Burke, he said: “We’ll have to look at it, it’s too early to tell.

"He stamped down to backheel the ball and tackle, when you’re running at speed it can just flare a few things up, knee joints, hamstrings, whatever.

"So we’ll have to assess it and see what he’s done.”