Colchester United manager Danny Cowley has confirmed that striker Samson Tovide is set to return to the squad for this weekend’s crucial League Two clash against Walsall.
The U’s are in a precarious situation at the bottom of the table, with Forest Green Rovers‘ 2-0 win against Bradford City on Tuesday night plunging the Essex-based side into the relegation zone. However, the drop was out of their hands after their own fixture against Doncaster Rovers was postponed.
It’s been a tough season for Colchester. Having spent the majority of the campaign fighting in the lower reaches of the division, the decision to bring in their third manager of the season was taken in January. In came the experienced duo of Danny and Nicky Cowley in an attempt to starve off relegation to the National League.
So far, the pair have recorded just the one win in nine league outings, although they have only suffered two defeats. The former Lincoln City boss will know that he needs to turn those draws into victories quickly, although he has been boosted by the news that a number of his first team squad are due to return to action.
Striker Tovide has been on the sidelines since picking up an ankle injury in December. The 20-year-old has four goals in 16 league outings this season, although looks set to return to the fold this weekend.
He’s not the only player closing in on a return. Cowley has also confirmed that fellow attacker Conor Wilkinson is back in training, as well as defensive duo Zach Mitchell and Fiacre Kelleher.
Speaking to Gazette News ahead of this week’s visit of Walsall, the manager said:
“Samson has trained with the group all week, so there’s potential for even Saturday.
“Conor Wilkinson also trained today for the first time, which was another real positive. Zach Mitchell was back on the grass today with Kells (Fiacre Kelleher).
“They’re now building up their technical work and they’re not far away at all. Hopefully, they’ll be back in full training again next week, which will be brilliant.
“To have these players back will give everyone an incredible lift. In terms of the injury front, things are looking much more positive.”
In a further boost, Cowley revealed that Ellis Iandolo is also available after missing last weekend’s 2-0 reverse at Barrow:
“Ellis has trained today which is a real bonus to us because he’s an incredibly important player for us.
“We’re a better team when Ellis plays – there’s no doubt about that.”
Colchester are one point behind Forest Green in 22nd, although do possess two games in hand.
Writer’s View
This is just the news that Colchester fans would have wanted to hear. To go into the most crucial part of the season with a near fully fit squad could prove to be the difference maker over the next few weeks.
The Cowley’s have made the U’s difficult to beat, but it is important that they start turning these draws into wins. However, there are some tough fixtures coming up, including against all the current top three. This relegation race is likely to go down to the wire.
Head of Writing
