Injury issues starting to clear for the Saddlers

Manager Dean Smith revealed the 24-year-old striker has begun running again, as he recovers from a hairline fracture to hit right ankle suffered in pre-season.

Cook had initially been ruled out till late September at the earliest, but Smith revealed he could now be back training by the end of this month.

Smith said: "Jordan has pushed on really quickly and he has the mentality for his time out to be as short as possible.

"At times, physio Jon Whitney has to put the reins on him. But he is pushing through it and we are hoping he could be on the training ground in the next couple of weeks."

Defender Ben Purkiss is also back training and likely to be available for Tuesday's home game with Yeovil.

Smith was also able to report positive news on midfielder Sam Mantom, who has so far been ruled out with a knee ligament problem.

Mantom had an injection in his knee earlier this week, which the Saddlers hope will finally solve the issue.

Smith said: "Sam went for a scan as well which showed there is no structural damage in there so it is just a case of giving him the injections, calming the area down.

"He will just be laying off it for a couple of days and then hopefully he should be back next week as well.

"Yeovil might be too soon for him but he will be ready to train, that is for sure."

Defender Matt Preston is awaiting results on a scan after a minor muscle tear in his thigh.