Walsall skipper's injury not serious

Walsall have been buoyed by the news skipper Mark Hughes' ankle injury isn't as bad as first feared.

The captain turned his ankle in last Saturday's 2-1 defeat to Brighton and had a precautionary X-ray to determine the extent this week.

But boss Chris Hutchings confirmed the 23-year-old hasn't done any long-term damage and will use the free weekend to recover after being unable to train.

He said: "Mark rolled his ankle and had an X-ray which proved clear which is positive, but he hasn't be joined in today.

"If we were playing on Saturday he would have been touch and go, so we'll see how he recovers with what he can and can't do in training.

"Unfortunately we haven't got a game on Saturday, so we have to get on with it but in one way it's a blessing."

Hughes has been an integral part of the Saddlers' team this season, making 21 appearances after signing from Northampton on a free transfer last summer.

Hutchings will need everyone fit for their hectic programme, which sees them play nine games in 29 days after the visit of Norwich's on Tuesday.