WARRINGTON Town boss Paul Carden is hopeful Jack Dunn will be ready to return to first-team action in the coming weeks.
A serious knee injury has limited the winger to just 15 minutes of football this season - he came on as a half-time substitute in the FA Cup win over FC United of Manchester in September before being forced off shortly afterwards.
The initial prognosis was that the 25-year-old would not be fit until the new year, but he has resumed light training and is making good progress.
"I’m hopeful Dunny will be back in a couple of weeks," Carden said.
"He’s joined in training a few times over the past few weeks. He’s still a bit away but not a million miles."
Jack Dunn down injured against FC United in September. Picture by John Hopkins
Aside from Dunn and fellow long-term absentees Josh Amis (foot) and Dylan Vassallo (knee), Carden has no fresh injury concerns for the trip to Mickleover Sports tomorrow.
Striker Amis is still in a protective boot while midfielder Vassallo is set to miss at least three more weeks after having a minor operation.
"Josh has had a little bit of good news in that he doesn’t need an operation as it stands, but we’re not getting carried away with it," Carden said.
"He’s still got a bit to do – he’s got to be in a boot for another fortnight.
"We’re being cautious with it because he’s been out for so long and we need to get it right.
Josh Amis continues to recover from a foot injury. Picture by John Hopkins
"Dylan’s had an operation on his knee – just a cartilage trim. He’s looking at a three to four-week recovery so it’s not a major one.
"It’s not as bad as initial thoughts were, it’s probably the best we could have hoped for.
"He may even be back before then as he’s a fit lad who looks after himself."
Dylan Vassallo is also on the road to recovery. Picture by John Hopkins
Carden also confirmed young forward Iwan Murray has returned to National League North side Chester after the expiry of his loan spell with Yellows.
Murray made three appearances for Town, scoring once in the Integro League Cup defeat to Kidsgrove Athletic.
Iwan Murray made three appearances for Town during his loan spell from Chester. Picture by John Hopkins
"He played his part in certain games," Carden said of the 19-year-old.
"He’s definitely got a chance. I think he’ll have a decent career."
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