Tom Ince has made good progress from a hip flexor complaint he suffered before the end of last season, and is now set to travel with Valérien Ismaël’s squad to the forward’s former club Stoke City this weekend (Saturday August 19, 3pm KO).
Patience is the key word, meanwhile, when it comes to Jamal Lewis and Rhys Healey.
Full-back Lewis had a small setback during his return from a calf complaint, while striker Healey’s recovery from last season’s ACL injury means the Head Coach is being cautious with his involvement so far.
“Jamal Lewis had a setback with his calf so we have to be patient with him,” said Ismaël.
“We cannot rush, especially with this kind of issue. What’s important is the player gets confidence back in his body and in this area. We will go from there and hopefully he will be back soon.
“It’s nothing major, not a big injury and he could be back next week, or it could take another week. I want him back when he is 100 per cent.”
“It was a difficult pre-season for Rhys after the ACL injury he had last year,” added Ismaël.
“Everyone knows it’s difficult to come back to your level straight away. I think Rhys needs more confidence in himself, in his knee, and to get back to where he is able to be.”
-dynamic_image.jpg)
Francisco Sierralta was forced off with tightness in his quad (thigh muscle) during the second half of the Plymouth Argyle clash at The Vic last weekend, so a late call on his involvement this weekend will be made.
Full-back Jeremy Ngakia is fighting to be involved after missing out last Saturday following a heavy challenge on his ankle at Stevenage in the Carabao Cup.
