Canning: Crawford is almost fit at last
MARTIN Canning believes Ali Crawford is finally approaching the end of his injury nightmare – despite admitting the playmaker has had to delay his Hamilton comeback once again.
The 26-year-old has barely featured for Accies since injuring knee ligaments at the end of September.
He did return to the squad just before New Year but, after registering two substitute appearances and a rare start against Motherwell in the final game of 2017, he was forced back into the treatment room as he suffered a painful flare-up.
Canning had hoped to have the attacker back in his squad ahead of last week’s postponed clash with Hibernian, but he has now confirmed Crawford will have to sit out Saturday’s Lanarkshire Derby with Stephen Robinson’s Well.
However, the Accies boss is convinced his latest lay-off will not last long.
“The break with the weather has helped in that Darian MacKinnon and Ali have both had another couple of weeks to get closer to fitness but neither will be ready for this weekend,” he said.
“Ali is ready to go in terms of his fitness but has had a couple of wee setbacks. When he’s kicking the ball he’s been feeling a wee twinge.
“He’s had a bit of treatment on that and hopefully once he manages to complete one training session that will be him back fit.
“He can run in straight lines – he can run all day – it’s just a case of getting him pain-free when he’s kicking the ball.
“We’re hopeful he’ll be back training in a couple of days. It’s not like he will need two or three weeks to get back up to speed.”