Walsall's Jordan Cook out for six weeks
Walsall were today dealt a blow as new-boy Jordan Cook was ruled out for around six weeks with a fractured ankle.
A scan has revealed the 24-year-old forward suffered a hairline fracture in his right ankle during the 2-1 pre-season friendly defeat at Torquay on July 19.
Cook, who signed a two-year-deal with the Saddlers, is now unlikely to be available until the middle of September at the earliest. But both player and boss Dean Smith are staying positive.
"Jordan has got a tiny hairline fracture on the ankle but the ligament is intact," said Smith.
"It is now a case of waiting for the sprain in the ankle to heal and you are talking at around five to six weeks out.
"It's good news. Had it been a full tear he would have been looking at several months out."
Cook last night claimed on social media the injury was "not as bad as first feared" and posted on Instagram: "It's not about how many times you get knocked down... It's about how many times u can get yourself back up. I'll be back stronger."
Cook had to be stretchered off after just 37 minutes of the game at Plainmoor.
How the latest news on the injury affects manager Dean Smith's squad building ahead of the new season remains to be seen.
Smith has brought in Ashley Grimes since Cook suffered the injury.
And, after Saturday's 3-1 friendly win at Leamington, the manager admitted he was looking to bring in "one or two more" before the League One opener at Port Vale on August 9.
The more pressing concern would appear to be the knee ligament problems of midfielder Sam Mantom.
The Saddlers play their first home pre-season friendly tonight when they host Premier League newcomers Leicester (7.30pm).
