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 featured as well.
“Obviously, Turner came on on Saturday and did well for 30 minutes but he had another 60-odd minutes on Tuesday and Ben Fox had about 70 minutes.
“They are important steps in their recovery.
“Normally, if it wasn’t this time of year, we would have another (friendly) game next week, just to get them through 90 minutes.
“But with the number of first-team games we have coming up in the next two or three weeks, that won’t be possible.
“So any action they get will be first-team action, because I think we’re going to need all the bodies we can get up to January 5.”
Centre-half Kyle McFadzean, who went off with a hip injury in Saturday’s win over Shrewsbury, will be assessed ahead of the weekend, with Turner’s return helping ease injury worries at the back.
“He got a fair old whack when he came in and made the clearance,” added Clough.
“So we’ll see how he is this week. We need him over the Christmas period, certainly.
“It’s good that Ben Turner has come through the two games, he’ll be available, and Jake Buxton will, as always.
“It’s looking relatively healthy at this moment. It can all change on Saturday but they’re not looking too bad.”
Meanwhile, Brewers academy scholar Ben Hart has joined Evo-Stik West Division side Kidsgrove Athletic on a one-month work experience loan.
Hart has been part of the Burton squad in the Checkatrade Trophy this season.