Lee Grant explains Ronan Maher and James Connolly's absence for Walsall

Lee Grant has revealed that Ronan Maher missed Walsall’s goalless draw at Leamington due to an elbow injury.

Maher was not involved in the Saddlers’ pre-season opener on Saturday, as they failed to find a breakthrough against their non-league opponents in Warwickshire.

Grant does not expect the issue to be long-term and has explained that it could take a week to heal before Maher is reintroduced to contact situations.

Maher missed Leamington with elbow issue

“Ronan has taken a knock to his elbow unfortunately, which we have to be careful with,” the Walsall head coach revealed.

“That might take a week or so to get him back into contact situations, but other than that, it’s all good.”

21-year-old Maher made four appearances for Walsall in all competitions last term, before heading on loan to Tamworth, where he scored four goals and set-up two more in 22 games.

Five of the Saddlers’ six summer signings made their debuts at Leamington, although James Connolly was the only notable absentee among the new faces.

Connolly absence explained

Connolly joined Walsall earlier this month on a two-year deal with an option year included, after leaving Crewe Alexandra at the end of last season.

Grant revealed that his decision to leave out Connolly was precautionary, as he does not want to run the risk of “overextending” his new centre-back.

“As ever in pre-season, it’s always let’s be safe before we try and overextend people,” he added.

“We’ve done that with James [Connolly]. People are tight, have had a tough week, or come into later than others.

“Then we have to be mindful of that, so today wasn’t the right time for [James] with that.”

Jed Ward, Sven Sprangler and Andrew Dallas played in the first half - while Lewis Simper and Coventry City loanee Isaac Moore featured in the second 45.