EXETER City manager Paul Tisdale will be without Rob Edwards and Alex Russell for tomorrow night's home match against Bristol Rovers.

It is hoped both players will resume full training this week with a view to them potentially featuring in Saturday's trip to struggling Wycombe Wanderers.

Russell has missed the last three games after suffering a back spasm, while Edwards has sat out the last two matches with a hamstring injury.

Tisdale said: "They have both been missed. Alex hasn't trained since the Brighton game and has been out for some time now.

"The target is for him to return to training this week and be in contention for Saturday.

"He has been a big miss. He brings a fair bit to the team in terms of his know how and ability to build our play.

"But we need to focus all we can on those players in the side and when Alex is available we will make a decision on who is going to play. Rob is close to being fit and we are optimistic he will be available for Saturday. That is very good news because he brings experience and adds value to the side.

"It is not just about his performance but it is the influence he has on the others."

Ben Watson has not been able to return to training after his long-standing calf injury flared up again. The striker's latest setback came in a brief substitute appearance in the recent 1-0 home defeat at the hands of Stockport County.

"I don't think he is close to being involved," added Tisdale. "He has not trained since playing for 10 minutes against Stockport. He has had a frustrating time of it and it is impossible to say when he is going to be back."