Bonds closing on return after injury lay-off

» CHELTENHAM Town midfielder Elliot Bonds made his comeback from injury in Thursday’s behindclosed-doors friendly.

He has missed the Robins’ last seven games after suffering a metatarsal stress fracture, last featuring in the

0-0 draw at Fleetwood Town on August 16.

But the 22-year-old, pictured, played for 45 minutes at the training ground against

West Bromwich Albion, who ran out 2-1 winners, with Cheltenham’s goal scored by teenager Adulai Sambu.

Dan Adshead is still working his way back from an ankle ligament problem, while fellow midfielder James Olayinka is recovering after knee ligament injury, both caused by impact after tackles in training.

Olayinka has made only one appearance since joining Cheltenham on transfer deadline day, playing the first 45 minutes of the 2-2 draw at Port Vale two days after his arrival from Arsenal.

Bristol City loanee James Taylor is now back on the grass after a medial ligament injury, as is Zac Guinan after his knee problem suffered during a training session with loan club Cirencester Town.

Robins defender Charlie Raglan suffered concussion during Tuesday’s 2-1 EFL Trophy win over Walsall and he will now go through all the return-to-play protocols.

Cheltenham were without a game last weekend due to Derby County’s international call-ups and return to action at home to Steve Cotterill’s Shrewsbury Town on Saturday.