Walsall head coach Mat Sadler has revealed that captain Donervon Daniels will be sidelined for eight to 10 weeks with a calf injury.
The 31-year-old has had to make do with a bit-part role this season, despite being a key figure since his move from Crewe Alexandra in 2022. This has been largely due to previous injury concerns, with the defender missing the first couple of months of the season with a knee injury.
He had to make do with a substitutes role upon his return before returning to the lineup for three games in November. However, he made just three brief substitute appearances over the festive period before disaster struck.
Daniels was handed a rare start against Peterborough United in the EFL Trophy earlier this month. His return to the team lasted just 23 minutes before he was forced off, subsequently ruling him out of last weekend’s 4-2 win over MK Dons.
Sadler Confirms Daniels Surgery
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s trip to Bradford City, Saddlers boss Sadler confirmed that the Montserrat international is set for another extended spell on the sidelines. Via The Express & Star, he said:
“I believe Donervon will be out for eight to 10 weeks. So it’s a little bit of a spell out.
“Pretty much everyone returns between the end of March and the beginning of April for the players that are out at the minute.
“Four good players (Priestley Farquharson, Jack Earing, George Hall) who will be back in and around it towards the end of the season. But Donervon is the same as that unfortunately. Not a great calf injury but I think we all knew that.
“Fortunately, he’ll be back with us before the end of the season though.”
Writer’s View
This has been a season to forget for Walsall’s club captain. Whilst the Saddlers seem to be running away with the League Two title, Daniels has had to compete with his fair share of injury problems. With the team doing so well, he had struggled to break back into Sadler’s plans and now will have to start from scratch. However, he will be hoping that he can make an impact upon his return in what will be the business end of the season.
