ED HOLMES, Gregory Sebastien and Elliot Bale are all struggling to be fit for Plymouth Albion’s home game against Henley Hawks on Saturday.

Forwards Holmes and Sebastien were injured in last weekend’s win at Cinderford, while fly-half Bale has been ill this week.

However, the better news for Albion is that front-row forwards Christian Judge and James Penman should be available to face the Hawks.

“There are doubts about both Ed and Greg,” said Albion’s director of rugby Graham Dawe. “We’ll have to see how they go in Thursday’s team run.”

Holmes had to go off at half-time against Cinderford due to an ankle injury he picked up after scoring a try.

Sebastien, meanwhile, injured his shoulder and chest after receiving a crunching tackle by Adam Balding that resulted in the Cinderford man picking up a yellow card.

“It was quite a collision,” said Dawe.

If Holmes and Sebastien were both ruled out it would leave Albion a bit short of second and back-row cover as Jarrad Hayler is also unavailable at the moment due to Royal Navy commitments.

“It could certainly be an opportunity for players like Jim Massey, Cameron Thompson and Andy Chesters,” said Dawe.

The Albion boss also confirmed that Bale had not been able to train this week due to illness.

“Elliot has been ill, but could still come into the mix for Saturday,” said Dawe.

But Albion do expect Penman and Judge to be available for selection against Henley.

Hooker Penman has not played since the start of December due to a calf injury, while prop Judge missed last weekend’s trip to the Forest of Dean because of illness.

“James Penman has trained Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday,” said Dawe. “He does feel sore, but it was a bad injury and it takes a long time to come back. However, he is feeling strong and confident now.

“Christian Judge was very ill last week, but he’s been getting his strength back and has gone full on this week, so there should not be any issues there.”

Meanwhile, Exmouth have pulled out of next Tuesday’s development match against Albion, which was due to be played at Brickfields. That game will now be played on March 22.