Mattis escapes long injury lay-off

Walsall midfielder Dwayne Mattis has escaped a long lay-off after suffering a horror injury – but has still been ruled out for a month.

The club feared losing the midfielder for up to six weeks, after a clash with Kevin O'Connor on Saturday left blood on the pitch and the player in agony with a gashed leg.

Mattis was taken straight to hospital and had seven stitches in the wound as his team-mates completed a 2-1 win over Brentford.

The 27-year-old has captained the side in the absence of Mark Hughes and has been a virtual ever present for the Saddlers this season – missing just three games and scoring twice.

Boss Chris Hutchings said: "It's a bit of a blow to be without Dwayne for a few weeks but it could have been worse.

"The cut looked worse than maybe it was at the time. He's had the injury seen to and dressed now and, once the stitches have been removed, he'll join back in with the group."

Mattis suffered a broken leg while on loan with Walsall in a goalless draw with Tranmere in 2007, but has luckily escaped a similar injury.