Boss looks for happy returns in time for Christmas

SEVERAL IN CONTENTION AFTER INJURY ABSENCES

BURTON Albion’s injury worries are easing ahead of a busy week.

Ben Turner returned to action from the bench in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Shrewsbury Town after six weeks and seven League games out with a calf injury, while both Turner and Ben Fox (hamstring) started a Central League Cup defeat against the Shrews on Tuesday.

That game provided valuable pitch time for other members of the Burton squad, although neither Marvin Sordell (knee) or David Templeton (calf) were involved.

Manager Nigel Clough gave differing updates on the forward pair as the Brewers prepare for Saturday’s visit to Fleetwood Town, the first of three lengthy away trips in a week.

Fleetwood is followed by Middlesbrough in the Carabao Cup quarterfinal on Tuesday and Luton Town in League One the following Saturday.

“Marvin is still feeling his knee a little bit, so he isn’t down to train,” said Clough.

“But we’re hoping David Templeton will train this week with a view to being involved, if not on Saturday, then for the Middlesbrough (in the Carabao Cup) and Luton Town games.

“It’ll be important to have him back for the Christmas period, especially the two home games.

“It was good timing to have the reserve game, not long before Christmas – there were a few who needed the 90 minutes.

“Joe Sbarra, Marcus Harness and Kieran Wallace got 90 minutes, which was good.

“Ben Fox and Ben Turner both