Injury blow as Clifton faces another spell on sidelines
SCANNELL EDGING BACK TOWARDS FITNESS AS HANSON CONTINUES HIS RECOVERY
HARRY Clifton could be facing a spell on the sidelines as Grimsby Town suffered an injury blow at the start of a hugely important week. The midfielder came off at halftime during the Mariners’ 3-0 defeat at Port Vale on Saturday, and was later seen leaving Vale Park on crutches.
Town boss Paul Hurst revealed after the game Clifton was forced off with an ankle injury, and now looks set to be a major doubt for Saturday’s clash with bottom side Southend United.
“He rolled his ankle really early in the game,” Hurst said.
“I think he just changed direction, it wasn’t a tackle.
“That probably didn’t help Harry, but knowing what type of lad he is, he battled on.
“At half-time, it was obvious he wasn’t going to be able to continue, and I imagine we would be very lucky if he’s back available for the weekend with that type of injury.” Elsewhere, Hurst confirmed that James Tilley’s absence from the squad at Vale Park was not due to injury.
News of Clifton’s knock doesn’t represent the ideal start to a huge week for Town, with Hurst eyeing up new signings ahead of the
Sean Scannell could be back in full training this week. weekend’s clash with Southend. There could be better news injury-wise elsewhere though - Sean Scannell may be able to return to training this week, having been out since limping off against Colchester back in December. Max Wright and Luke Spokes both made the bench at Vale Park on Saturday, with the former playing just over 15 minutes as they both made their returns from injury.
Meanwhile, James Hanson continues his recovery following his latest calf problem, having been able to take part in some running at Cheapside in recent weeks. It is not expected Hanson will be available soon.