Russ Wilcox has provided an injury update on his Gainsborough Trinity squad, as the Holy Blues continue to build towards the start of the season.
The Northern Premier League campaign kicks off on Saturday, August 10, with Gainsborough travelling to Ilkeston Town on the opening day.
However, one Trinity player could be set to miss the start of the season through injury. This comes as manager Wilcox revealed that winger Javelle Clarke, who suffered a broken ankle and fibula in December, remains out.
Speaking exclusively to The Linc, he said: “He’ll be back at some stage in the season, but I don’t know about the start of the season. I don’t want to put too much pressure on, A, the lad, and B, on Jono [Whitehouse] the physio. He’ll be ready when he’s ready, and if that’s August fantastic, if it’s September, it’s September, if it’s October, it’s October.
“Javelle is making good progress, but physically he’s no contact at the moment. But, he’s looking good, his movement is good, he’s pain free.”
The Trinity boss said he did not want to put a timescale on Clarke’s return, adding: “It’s important to let the healing process takes its course, and Javelle will come to me and say ‘I’m ready to go’, when he’s ready to go.
“I think when you’ve had an injury like that, and you’ve had a break, it’s the mental side of it as well. Coming back mentally is always a challenge, that first tackle, that first sprint, that first beating your man, that’s all things he needs to do before he can be made available.”
Elsewhere in the Gainsborough Trinity squad, four players are on the sidelines with respective niggles and knocks. One of those players, the experienced Dayle Southwell, is “close” to a return, according to Wilcox.
Speaking after his side drew a friendly with Lincoln United, he said: “We maybe won’t risk him on Tuesday, but I’d be really pleased if he can be available for the Sheffield United game, which I think he will if everything moves on like it has.”
Bobby Johnson is “tough and go” with a tight thigh, but also looks set to be available for the visit of SkyBet Championship side Sheffield United on Saturday, July 27.
Meanwhile, the picture is less clear in regards to Bailey Conway. “We’re not sure with Bailey really, it’s a niggle, sort of in his glute. So, it’s a funny one, not like your everyday sort of sports injury. It’s a different one that we’ve got to be careful with,” Wilcox said.
Goalkeeper Josh Render is also currently sidelined, but is in a similar boat to midfielder Johnson.
Wilcox said: “Josh has just a whack, but you have to be careful with whacks because if he gets another one on it, you may be back to square one. I’d say with Josh, maybe not Tuesday, but hopefully Saturday.”
Gainsborough host Barnsley on Tuesday, July 23, before welcoming Sheffield United to the KAL Group Stadium on Saturday, July 27.
Feature Image Credit: Bryan Pye