Walsall defender Mason Hancock "back on the grass" but still has a road ahead - Mat Sadler
Mat Sadler says Mason Hancock has been "back out on the grass", but expects the Walsall wing-back to remain with the physio team for "some time yet".
Hancock, who joined from Scottish Championship outfit Airdrieonians in the summer, has not figured since dislocating his knee during the Saddlers' 1-0 home defeat against Grimsby Town on August 19.
The 22-year-old underwent successful surgery and was ruled out for "four to six months" after registering one assist in his first four appearances for the Saddlers in League.
Sadler has since earmarked a potential comeback in late January and Hancock has been back out on the grass as he continues his rehabilitation.
It is still unclear just how long he will be with the physio team, but Sadler is mindful of not rushing him back into action.
A "good milestone" on Hancock's road to recovery
"He is with the physio for some time yet. He was out there running on Tuesday, which is a good milestone on that journey," boss Sadler said.
"A little bit similar to Kemar. Now it's about him repeatedly being out there day in, day out. What tends to happen with injuries like his and like Harry's, some days you'll have some swelling in there off the back of a session and sometimes you won't be feeling as good.
"But he is at a good stage with things and now it's about working on that strength, the physical side and making sure that when he does come back in, he comes back not for a short time, but the rest of the season."
Hancock started in each of the Saddlers' opening four games and set-up Aaron Pressley's decider in a 2-1 win at Barnet three days before his injury.
Vincent Harper has nailed down a starting spot at left wing-back in his absence, registering one assist in 10 appearances in League Two this term.
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