Double boost for Saddlers

Walsall were today handed a double boost after it was revealed Jimmy Walker and Jon Macken could return for the crunch clash with drop rivals Wycombe.

Scans revealed the duo have grade one hamstring strains but boss Dean Smith is confident they can return quickly for the Chairboys' visit next Saturday.

They were injured in last week's 1-0 defeat to Notts County to compound the Saddlers' struggles.

Initial diagnosis was the pair would be out for up to two weeks and Smith indicated they are likely to make a swift return.

He said: "Their injuries are both only grade one so they won't be out long-term. It's good news, they are not too serious and they could be back in a couple of weeks.

"Sometimes these injuries could be up to four to six weeks so it's really good.

"It was what we were expecting. Jon kicked the floor when he was shooting and Wacka was just pushing off when he jumped so it was as we expected and scans have proved that. They were both fairly innocuous.

"It certainly benefitted those two the Scunthorpe game was off on Saturday. We'd prepared for it but unfortunately we got beaten by the weather."

Six-goal striker Macken and goalkeeper Walker are definitely out of this Saturday's League One visit of Colchester with the Saddlers now in the bottom four.

Wycombe's 2-1 win over Tranmere on Saturday dropped them into the relegation zone – although Walsall have game in hand and a superior goal difference.

And Smith remained philosophical over his team's position and insisted the Saddlers still benefitted, despite Wycombe's victory.

"The result could have gone three ways for us," said Smith, who was at Adams Park. "If Wycombe would have got beaten then we would have been quite happy because they are still behind us.

"If they'd drawn, Tranmere would have been a point further away and Wycombe a point closer. But Wycombe winning means they go above you but it keeps Tranmere closer to you. Whatever result would have had something going for us."

Meanwhile, today's reserve game at the Banks's Stadium with Sheffield United has been postponed due to a frozen pitch with a new date yet to be arranged.