In Planet Imp’s previous Treatment Room instalment, it was reported that the number of casualties on the injured list was alleviating. It is a similar story at the moment.
The only long-term casualty is centre back, Steve Holmes, who successfully completed his operation last Thursday. Holmes said, “The operation on my knee went well and the surgeon was quite happy with the way it went. I was in on the Thursday morning and was discharged that night so it was a quick job.
“I was quite pleased that I was able to walk to the car with crutches. After that he said I could go full weight-bearing so it was pleasing to discard the crutches. I was walking with a limp but after a week it went and the leg was quite comfortable to walk on. I was given painkillers which I didn't use so I was very pleased with the way the operation went.”
“I'm back at the ground now doing some static work with Keith Oakes and some upper body work in the gym. We went to see the consultant on Monday and he said the biggest thing was to test it by putting my weight on the bad leg. I tried this and the pain that had been there from day one was still there.”
Jason Barnett is still a couple of weeks off fitness as he recovers from a groin problem.
Kingsley Black, who is out with tweaked knee ligaments, is now undertaking light training and will be back in contention for a place over the next couple of weeks. He remains a doubt for the visit of Carlisle United this Saturday.
Also in midfield, John Finnigan is recovering from a toe injury – which required four stitches after being split open in a crunch training field tackle. He is expected to be in the squad for the visit of Carlisle, after making progress in training this week. He has been kicking a ball, but the injury is still a little sore. Ben Sedgemore is ready to step in if Finnigan is not fit enough. Finnigan, I would say, is rated more than 50/50 that’s for sure.
Paul Smith continued his miraculous return to the City side after a lengthy spell on the sidelines – completing 64 minutes of the Imps’ 1-0 reverse at home to Luton on Tuesday. Smith produced a steady performance on the right hand side, showing his usual commitment and non-stop running. He was unable to attack defenders of the majority of occasions because he lacks the speed and sharpness of a fully fit player. With more games under his belt, Smithy’s fitness will only improve – the good signs are that he has shown no reaction whatsoever to his (past) back problem.
Elsewhere, reserve goalkeeper, Paul Pettinger is overcoming his injured thumb, which has been bothering him for some time.