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Walsall injury fears eased over defender Callum Cockerill-Mollett

Walsall boss Darrell Clarke has revealed that Callum Cockerill-Mollett's recent injury is less serious than first feared.

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The left-back was left in a heap on Tuesday night after blocking a shot against Chelsea under 21s in the EFL Trophy.

It happened within the first 10 minutes and the 20-year-old looked in pain as he hobbled off the pitch with the help of the club's physios.

Assistant manager Brian Dutton said after the match that the injury 'doesn't look great' and said there was a possibility of it being a hairline fracture.

Cockerill-Mollett was seen walking unaided at the club's training ground on Friday and Clarke has eased fans' worries over his knock – but says he won't be fit in time for the Port Vale clash.

"He's walking," he said.

"It was an awkward one, he's caught it on the end of his toe.

"I don't normally like giving injury information out but he won't be fit for Saturday.

"But it doesn't look as bad as first feared."

Tuesday's comeback win over Chelsea earned Clarke's side a place in the third round of the EFL Trophy and continued the club's positive run of results.

The Saddlers have only lost one game in seven now after a run of six consecutive defeats and Clarke is keen on his side continuing their forward momentum.

"People talk about momentum, take the disaster run in October out of the equation, September we win won four games, we've lost one in seven now," he said.

"We just had a really disappointing October that's put us massively on the back foot.

"Did some of the performances in October warrant a bit more? Yes I think they did.

"But there's work that has to be done here.

"There's no real enjoyable moments at the minute.

"We know how long this will take to turn around and get us back to a good platform of being a good football club again.

"The work is continuous."

The Saddlers welcome League One Portsmouth in the next round as they bid for a place in the quarter finals.

And Clarke is aware the threat that the EFL Trophy holders will cause.

"It's tough, the holders of the cup," he added.

"I get on really well with Kenny Jackett.

"They're good people down at Pompey.

"We're looking forward to welcoming them but hopefully trying to get through to the next round."