IT’S good news and bad news for Wanderers on the injury front as they prepare to take on Burton Albion in front of the TV cameras on Monday night.

Ian Evatt has confirmed that Kieran Lee will be available after scans on a groin problem came back all clear.

The experienced midfielder was unavailable at Cambridge United last weekend and was not in the squad for Tuesday night’s Papa John’s Trophy win against Port Vale.

But though Lee returns to the squad to face Burton – Evatt has ruled out Declan John after the Welshman reported an illness.

"We’re all good with Kieran,” Evatt said “He has trained fine today. He is available for Monday.

"But Declan John has got an illness. It is not Covid-related, but he has got an illness and won't be available."

Evatt also supplied an update on the condition of young goalkeeper Luke Hutchinson, who was taken to hospital after colliding with an opposition player last week.

The 18-year-old, on loan at Atherton Colls, was stretchered off the pitch in a Northern Premier game against Lancaster City and taken to Bolton Royal.

But while Hutchinson will not be available to play for Colls for a fortnight, the Wanderers boss says there should be no lasting effects.

“Luke is absolutely fine,” he said. “Obviously he has got the two-week concussion protocol, but he went to hospital and was discharged with some painkillers. I guess that’s just part of the job and the nature of the beast.

“He has got to learn to take those knocks. It is going to come. It happens, and it is about how he reacts to it, but fortunately for us, he wasn’t too badly injured.

“He was checked over thoroughly at hospital and he’s been discharged with just the two-week concussion protocol now, but already he is back to normal and fine.”

Wanderers face Burton Albion on Monday night looking to register their first-ever win against the Brewers at the sixth attempt.

The two clubs last met in March 2020, contesting a 2-2 draw at the Pirelli Stadium in League One. It proved to be the final game Wanderers played before the lockdown.


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