Frankie McAvoy updates Preston North End injury position ahead of Brentford's visit to Deepdale

Rafferty hasn't featured in the squad in McAvoy's first two games in charge having hurt his back in the 1-0 defeat against Luton before the international break.

Speaking at his pre-match Zoom press conference from Euxton on Thursday morning, McAvoy said: "Joe is going to be a wee bit longer, he's had a twist in the back and it is a painful injury.

"It could take Joe a good few weeks to be honest. He got it in the Luton game and it's an injury they have to make sure they deal with properly going forward."

Ahead of facing Brentford at Deepdale on Saturday, North End will run the rule over the fitness of Daniel Johnson, Sean Maguire and Anthony Gordon.

The trio missed Easter Monday's 1-0 win at Swansea with calf injuries, none of which are long term.

McAvoy said: "They have just been niggles and you don't want to make them any worse.

"If you put them in the chances are it could make it worse and that is why they didn't play on Monday.

"They are being worked on by the physios at the moment. If we don't get them ready for this game then certainly I expect them to be back for the one after that."

Greg Cunningham won't make the Brentford game with an injury suffered last month.

The left-back last featured against Bournemouth on March 6.

McAvoy said: "Greg will be another week or two we think. It's a reoccurring problem but it's not too bad. We've just been on the safe side with him to make sure he is fit and ready to go.

"What we don't want to do is bring him back too early and see it go again."

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