Lee Grant delivers Walsall injury update on Mason Hancock and Ryan Leak

Lee Grant has revealed Walsall are awaiting news on Mason Hancock, after the left-back underwent tests on a groin injury.

Hancock sustained the issue during the warm-up ahead of the Saddlers’ 3-1 defeat at Newport County in the FA Cup first round on Saturday.

James Furlong stepped into the breach in his absence and did so again, as Walsall bowed out of the EFL Trophy with a 2-1 loss at Leicester City on Tuesday.

But Grant was unable to provide a clear picture on his condition, as he awaits an update on Hancock, who has started 12 of the Saddlers’ 13 league fixtures so far this term.

“I’m actually still waiting on the news, I’m hopeful that I’ve got that news by the time I get back inside,” head coach Grant confirmed.

“We’ve sent him off to be checked today [on Tuesday]. Mason was adamant that he didn’t want to have that one investigated any further, which I think speaks to the fact of how he’s feeling.

“But of course, none of us have x-ray vision. So we have to wait and see what the results are for Mason.

“Mason - I think it’s a high abductor issue, but hopefully I’ll have news by the time I get back inside.”

Walsall were boosted by the return of Roman Dixon, who played 62 minutes at the King Power Stadium following a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

However, Ryan Leak was forced off with an injury just past the half-hour mark, although Grant was unable to provide any clarity of his situation.

Grant added: “Then it’s too early to know on Ryan [Leak]. I don’t know because it has literally just happened.”

Leak missed over 18 months with a ruptured Achilles prior to joining Walsall in the summer.