Mat Sadler explains Kemar Roofe's absence for Walsall in past two games
Mat Sadler has confirmed Walsall striker Kemar Roofe has missed the past two games with a groin issue.
The 32-year-old, who joined his hometown club on a short-term deal last month, suffered the injury during the Saddlers’ 2-0 win at Gateshead in the FA Cup on December.
Roofe was not in the squad for both games last week - a 1-0 win at Oldham Athletic on Wednesday and a 1-1 draw against Shrewsbury Town at Bescot on Saturday.
Sadler reveals Roofe groin issue
Sadler has revealed Roofe trained last Friday and will be working to be fit ahead of the festive fixtures.
"He get a little bit of a nick on his groin against Gateshead and he was out there on Friday trying to see whether he could be fit. It's just not right yet," boss Sadler explained.
The former Leeds United and Rangers star has featured four times for Walsall this term, including twice in League Two.
His only start so far has come in a 2-1 win at Stevenage in the EFL Trophy round of 32 earlier this month, which was his first in a competitive fixture since April 2024.
Decision yet to be reached on Roofe's Walsall future
Roofe initially penned a deal until January 1, after five months without a club due to injury, and a decision is yet to reached on his future beyond the New Year.
"The same as before. Assessing is probably the wrong word, we want Kemar out there as much as possible," Sadler added.
"We want him ready to play and he is working hard. He is desperate to do well and Kemar goes into our January melting pot, if you like, of decision making."
It is not yet clear if Roofe will be fit for the top-of-the-table tussle against Notts County on Saturday, although Sadler does expect Jid Okeke (back) and Aaron Pressley (hamstring) to be available.
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