JAKE Buxton’s squad will remain depleted by injuries and suspensions this weekend, but the Burton Albion manager is seeing some light at the end of the tunnel.
With another week before Albion play Portsmouth, if the Brewers can negotiate a tricky away day at Swindon on Saturday (kick off 3pm) they should have more numbers by the time they play again.
Buxton said: “We knew it was going to be a difficult two weeks but hopefully after this weekend things will ease a little.”
Defender John-Joe O’Toole and goalkeeper Kieran O’Hara will both complete their suspensions on Saturday making at least two more players available by the time Albion take on Portsmouth on October 3.
And the injured members of the squad, including Charles Vernam, Reece Hutchinson, Michael Bostwick and Neal Eardley are all making progress with Vernam possiblly making Saturday’s squad.
Buxton said: “It’s touch and go for the weekend for a couple of them but it’s more likely to have one or two back for the week after.
“Charles has done a little bit today but was sore still and if there is any reaction tomorrow, he won’t be involved. He’s probably 50-50 at the minute.
“The lads are taking a little bit longer than normal to recover from games than before the pandemic as the repetition of Saturday-Tuesday games has been tough following such a long lay-off so the injuries had to be expected. But they are what they are, and we get on with it. Injuries are part and parcel of football.
“We have been positive every week from day one but the added touch of getting the first three points on the board made it special for the group this week. They believe in how we are trying to play and what we are trying to do and believe that what we are telling them will result in them winning games.”