DAVID Hopkin will today discover the extent of the growing casualty list that has marked his first week at City.

The new boss is waiting to find out how long Hope Akpan and Adam Chicksen will be out of his plans.

Skipper Josh Wright was also forced off early in Saturday’s dramatic 3-2 defeat at Blackpool.

Akpan popped his shoulder in training on Hopkin’s opening day in charge. Chicksen has a possible hairline fracture in his leg and both face potentially lengthy absences.

Hopkin said: “It’s been difficult. Hope did his shoulder and that’s a massive blow for us – he could be six or eight weeks out.

“Adam’s problem is with his fibula so he could be out for a while as well. The squad’s getting thinner but I don’t look for excuses.”

With Wright going off with a muscle injury at Bloomfield Road, Hopkin has challenged the youngsters in the squad to make their mark.

Luca Colville, Jordan Gibson, Connor Wood and Lewis O’Brien all featured on Saturday and the head coach insists more opportunities will be there.

He added: “The younger players need to step up to the mark. That’s where we are just now.

“We have to go with younger players and have to make sure they are fit and ready and willing when they come in. They can give us a little bit of spirit.

“When you’re a young player, you’re going to have to learn very quickly.

“You’ve seen the bench and there’s a lot of younger players on it. You’ve got to use them.

“They are going to be essential and we have to try to get them up to speed.

“Of course, they will have to play games to get experience.”

Hopkin’s hopes of a winning start at the Bantams helm were thwarted in a stunning finish as Blackpool fought back from two down with three goals in the final 10 minutes.

“Blackpool were bringing on experienced players who are going to put everything in your box.

“There was a wee bit of fatigue but we had a lot of young players out there. That’s not a criticism because we’re playing at high intensity.

“I thought we would see the game out and manage it. But that’s where we’re at.

“That third goal just deflated everyone but we’ll bounce back. I’ve seen a lot of positives.

“We’ve not really been carved open. It’s been three mistakes of our own doing.”

Eoin Doyle, with his second penalty in a week, and Jack Payne scored twice in a five-minute spell to put City in control.

Sub David Ball, who set up Payne’s goal, was then denied by home keeper Mark Howard just before Blackpool’s first penalty.

Hopkin admitted: “It’s fine margins. We could have been 3-0 up.

“It’s a great strike by David that the keeper’s saved and it’s landed to one of their players. Nine times out of 10 Eoin Doyle would tap it in and it would be game over.

“Then the keeper kicks the ball down the park and they are back in the game.”