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Ball Could Be in Squad Which Travels to Bolton
Thursday, 9th Mar 2023 14:50

Town boss Kieran McKenna has revealed midfielder Dominic Ball could be in the squad which travels for Saturday’s game at Bolton Wanderers.

The 27-year-old, a summer signing following his release by QPR, has been out of action since November having undergone knee surgery.

Asked whether there was a chance of Ball or fellow midfielder Panutche Camara, who is returning after groin surgery, could be involved in tomorrow afternoon’s U21s match against Birmingham at Playford Road, McKenna said Ball could be involved with the senior side instead.

“Panutche, yes,” he said regarding the former Plymouth man, who also featured for the second string last week.

“Dominic Ball, discussions to be had this afternoon as to whether he’s in the matchday squad against Bolton or whether he stays behind to train or whether he stays behind to get some minutes in the U21s.

“He’s been working outside on the grass now for probably six weeks with the fitness coach. He’s joined in with the group over the last week and the rehabilitation coaches are doing a good job getting the players to a good level of fitness and conditioning whenever they do return to the group.

“We feel like they’re generally ready to come back into the squad pretty quickly, as we did with Sone [Aluko] and as we did with Lee Evans and Marcus Harness. They’ve all returned to the group well.

“Dominic’s in that category and it’s about picking the right time to reintroduce them to the squad and also considering we have really good competition for places.”

McKenna says there are no new injury problems in his squad but that with the game the third in eight days he will look at utilising his squad.

“As good as we could hope for, I could guess,” when asked about the fitness of his squad. “Of course, you’ve got the likes of Massimo [Luongo], who has had two starts now in quick succession and hadn’t started many before then, and Nathan Broadhead is probably in that category as well as someone who hasn’t started too many back-to-back games.

“But we feel and felt it was important to respect each game and I think Tuesday night was certainly in that category, so we wanted to keep the momentum in the group that has been starting more of the games.

“We managed to get some players off in both games, which is useful in terms of players not completing 90 minutes, but it’s certainly something we’ll have to consider going into this game, the fact that it’s our third game of the week.

“We’ve got a long travel and we’re playing against a team who are fresh and have had a week to prepare, so we’re going to have to factor freshness into the occasion alongside all the other things when selecting the team and the squad.”

McKenna says Leif Davis came through the 3-0 victory over Accrington despite having suffered a minor injury in the 4-0 win against Burton on Saturday.

“He had some soreness but it was just a knock,” he said. “So it wasn’t one where there was every really any big threat that he would do any damage or anything like that. He’s trained today and he feels fine.”

Tyreece John-Jules, who underwent hamstring surgery in November, is back with Town having rehabbed back at parent club Arsenal but is still a little way behind the likes of Ball and Camara.

“He has to return with the group training first of all,” McKenna said. “He’s still working with the rehabilitation coaches but we’re hoping he’ll train with the group fully next week.”


Photo: Matchday Images



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HighgateBlue added 15:04 - Mar 9
Good to have numbers for the business end of the season, and pleased for Ball and the others who are coming back. However, with the emergence of Luongo (and the consequential burden reduced on Humphreys' shoulders), this is no longer the urgent matter that it once was, and I'm sure nobody will be rushed back.
9

Bazza8564 added 15:26 - Mar 9
Nailed it HighgateBlue, spot on.

I personally think we will see a little less of Cam H in these next 3 away games, they will be physical midfield battles rather than technical ones, so Ball covering Massimo would be my guess
2

Durley_Blue added 16:04 - Mar 9
Anyone know the situation with Lee Evan's injury? I must have missed that update
0

ringwoodblue added 16:28 - Mar 9
Seems a bit soon to have him on the bench. I'd rather a fully fit Humphreys than a partially fit Ball coming on as a second half sub but McKenna knows best
0

Suffolkboy added 16:59 - Mar 9
Measured yet totally positive ,as ever ; the care and wisdom exercised in selection , recruitment and planning is patently obvious .
Bring back the points boys !
COYB
2

Len_Brennan added 17:15 - Mar 9
I know it will sound a bit odd, given the inarguable ability of Ball, Camara & John-Jules, but I wouldn't be rushing to put any of them in the matchday squad at the moment, barring injury needs.
We have an extraordinary squad, certainly by League 1 standards, and as it is we are leaving 3 very unlucky outfield players out of the matchday squad for each game. I would personally have Greg Leigh in the 18 each time, but because of the strength in depth we have & KMcK's desire for predominantly having attackers on the bench, Leigh, Keogh & Edmundson are mostly being left out completely, sometimes Edwards.
Having 3 more potential first teamers back will increase that to 6 outfielders missing out per game, at a time when consistency is key. I don't believe that now is the time for more rotation, unless there is a need through injury or suspension.
3

Len_Brennan added 17:43 - Mar 9
* That should be KVY
0

Linkboy13 added 12:38 - Mar 10
Since the January transfer window our squad has become even stronger and what ive seen of Ball im not sure if he's good enough to be included in the first team squad.
0


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