What happened?
James Connolly and Rico Browne have returned to training with Walsall FC, providing a positive injury update ahead of the Carabao Cup first round tie against Bristol City on Thursday. The duo were forced off during a 5-0 defeat against Luton Town in a behind-closed-doors friendly last week.
Why it matters for Walsall
The return of Connolly and Browne is a significant boost for the Saddlers, who are looking to bounce back from a tough start to the season.
What comes next?
Walsall FC will be looking to build on their positive injury update as they prepare to face Bristol City in the Carabao Cup first round tie. The match is scheduled for Thursday, and the Saddlers will be hoping to secure a win to boost their chances of progressing in the competition.
Lee Grant, the head coach of Walsall FC, has provided a positive update on the fitness of Connolly and Browne, stating that they are making progress in their recovery. "We're early in the week, but both of them are boots on and on the grass today," Grant revealed. "That's nice. That doesn't mean that we're guaranteed to have them, it doesn't mean that we're not guaranteed to have them."
The return of Connolly and Browne is a significant boost for the Saddlers, who are looking to bounce back from a tough start to the season. The duo joined the club on a two-year deal with the option of a further year earlier this summer, after leaving Crewe Alexandra at the end of last season. Connolly, who is 24 years old, missed the draw at Leamington and 5-0 defeat to Aston Villa due to injury, but captained the team in a 1-0 defeat at AFC Telford United on July 25.
Browne, who made 28 appearances for Walsall FC in all competitions last term, scoring once, penned a fresh deal with the Saddlers at the end of last season - extending his stay until 2028 - with the option to extend by a further year.
Next fixture: vs Barnet (away, 2027-02-27) (14th in the table).
