Lloyd Isgrove is winging his way back towards a return to action after stepping up his recovery from injury.
Isgrove hasn’t played since late November due to a major hamstring tear suffered in Wanderers’ 3-0 win over Doncaster Rovers.
But following successful surgery to repair the damage, the Whites’ wideman returned to outdoor training for the first time today (Thursday) and was able to partner Elias Kachunga on his own comeback trail.
“It’s great to have Issy back. He’s a big character and he’s been a big player for us,” said manager Ian Evatt.
“It’s good to see him looking fit and well.
“Him and Kacha both running today was refreshing to see and we’re looking forward to having them back involved.”
Isgrove had been one of Wanderers’ most consistent performers ahead of his enforced absence and having the Welshman and Kachunga back for the end-of-season run-in will further strengthen Evatt’s varied attacking options.
“They are probably two or three weeks away from being competitive again – both of them – but they will be great problems and selection issues for me when they come back,” added the Wanderers’ boss.
Evatt is still waiting to hear whether Kieran Lee will be able to play an active role in the remainder of the campaign.
The midfielder has suffered no further Achilles tendon damage but his involvement will depend on whether he needs surgery on a heel spur now or in the summer.
Lee missed Tuesday night’s 3-1 loss at Burton Albion as Wanderers’ seven-match unbeaten run came to an end.
The defeat slowed Wanderers’ climb towards the play-off places but still leaves them just eight points away from the top six as they look to hit back at home to AFC Wimbledon on Saturday.
“We’ve parked it. We were very disappointed with it, but I think it was out of character for us and I think we’re better than that and we’re in a better place than that,” said Evatt.
“The most important thing for me is that we’re heading in the right direction.
“We got the players in we wanted to in January. We haven’t had the time on the grass yet because of the nature of the fixture list to give the improvements that we need and some of the detail.
“That will come after the MK Dons’ game (on Saturday-week) when there’s a bit of a break in mid-week fixtures.
“There’s only improvement to come. From now, it’s about our performance levels and keeping energy levels high and getting ready for a big game on Saturday.”