MANAGER Jake Buxton hopes to welcome back winger Charles Vernam and full-back Neal Eardley into the first-team squad for tomorrow’s game at home to Blackpool.
Eardley was withdrawn during our 1-1 draw with AFC Wimbledon last weekend and subsequently missed the midweek trip to Peterborough United, but trained this morning with the squad.
Forward Vernam has been sidelined for four weeks after suffering a setback with a knee injury, last featuring in our defeat to Portsmouth at the start of the month.
But having trained this week, Buxton looks set to welcome the former Grimsby Town man back into the first-team squad.
“Neal had a puncture in his foot and had to have it glued on Saturday, which made him unavailable for Tuesday night,” said Buxton.
“He came back into training on Friday and trained non-contact, so he’ll come back into the squad and is available for selection.
“We’ve got Charles Vernam, who trained on Wednesday and Friday. He’s available for selection and to come back into the squad.
“Charles showed glimpses in pre-season and in our Carabao Cup win over Accrington how direct he is and how he’s going to be an asset to the football club.
“He’s a threat and it’s a shame he’s been missing for a large chunk of the season so far, but he’s got another opportunity to keep working hard and keep training hard.”
Buxton also offered an injury update on left-back Reece Hutchinson, who is yet to feature this season after suffering a metatarsal injury during lockdown.
“Reece Hutchinson is coming along quite nicely and played 45 minutes last week in a practice game,” said Buxton.
“He is probably not right just yet to come back into the squad, but he’s progressing which is a positive for Reece and the club.
“Everyone else is available for selection, other than John Brayford (quad) and Michael Bostwick (calf) who are the only other two at this moment in time.”
Kieran Wallace remains sidelined as he self-isolates following a family member testing positive for COVID-19.