Walsall suffer third recall blow as Jid Okeke returns to Stockport County
Stockport County have confirmed Jid Okeke has been recalled from his season-long loan spell at Walsall.
Okeke becomes the third Walsall loan player in the past 24 hours to be recalled, after midfielder Ryan Finnigan returned to his parent club Blackpool.
Dan Cox has also gone back to Derby County after making just three league starts during his loan at Bescot.
The 21-year-old, who arrived on a temporary deal on transfer deadline day in September, will return to the Hatters with immediate effect.
Okeke recalled due to Stockport shortage at wing-back
Stockport have decided to call Okeke back due to a lack of options at right wing-back following Corey O'Keefe's recall by Barnsley.
In addition, first-choice Tyler Onyango is out injured for a number of weeks, which has forced Dave Challinor to play Jayden Fevrier as a makeshift wing-back in recent weeks.
What does the future hold for Okeke?
According to reports, Stockport are in the market for another right wing-back in January.
Okeke featured for Stockport twice in the League Cup in August, which means he will only be able to play for Walsall if they decide to send him back out on loan.
Finnigan also played for Blackpool earlier in the campaign and is not eligible to play for more than two EFL clubs this season.
However, there is no suggestion at this stage that either Finnigan or Okeke will be heading back out on loan.
German-born Okeke has made 18 appearances for the Saddlers in all competitions this term - including 13 times in League Two.
He scored his only goal from the bench on his debut during a 3-1 win at Shrewsbury Town in the EFL Trophy in September.
A club statement read: "Jid provided versatility in the squad, operating in a number of positions under the guidance of head coach Mat Sadler and he returns to Edgeley Park with our best wishes."
How can Walsall fill the void?
The club have confirmed in a statement that the recruitment team are "working hard to strengthen the squad" this month.
Mason Hancock is nearing a return from a five-month lay off with a dislocated knee and will provide support for Vincent Harper at left wing-back.
Mat Sadler has earmarked a potential comeback for Hancock when the Saddlers travel to Northampton Town in the EFL Trophy round of 16 on Wednesday next week.
Connor Barrett has been first-choice option on the right, although Albert Adomah and Courtney Clarke are capable of offering cover.
