Walsall midfielder Jake Hollman suffers hamstring injury, but not expected to be "serious"
Walsall first team coach Darren Byfield has confirmed Jake Hollman missed their EFL Trophy tie against Chelsea under-21s with a hamstring issue.
The Saddlers drew 0-0 against the Blues' academy, but moved to within a point of the group summit with a 4-2 win in the penalty shoot-out.
Despite missing out on the squad, Byfield expects Hollman to be available again soon, with the injury not expected to be serious.
"He's out at the minute with a hamstring, but it's not as serious as we first though and he will be back soon," Byfield confirmed.
Hollman has played just 200 minutes across his six appearances in all competitions since arriving from A-League side Macarthur FC on a free transfer in the summer.
The Australian midfielder is unable to join another English club on loan due to work permit rules, although Sadler has recently revealed he is exploring the possibility of finding him a loan club abroad.
There has been no update on his situation, but Byfield has backed the 24-year-old to recover from his challenging start to life at Bescot.
"Even when the top elite players sign in the Premier League for £60 or £70 million, we're all saying give them a season," he added.
"Jake has come from Australia and no disrespect to the league, but the intensity here, the work rate from the boys, the change in climate, culture and food.
"There are a load of things that he has to try and balance with his life. Off the pitch and on the pitch, it's really tough for him, but he is getting stronger and better every day.
"Even if you look at him now, he has put on weight as well, he's throwing himself into challenges, so he will be ready."
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