Walsall hint at possible training return for forgotten man Elicha Ahui

Darren Byfield is hopeful that Walsall defender Elicha Ahui will be able to return to training before the end of the season.

Ahui has recently been stepping up his rehabilitation at Essington, after an ACL injury suffered while playing for Drogheda United had left him side lined for over 10 months.

The 22-year-old is yet to play for the Saddlers since signing in January last year when he was immediately loaned back to fellow Trivela-owned outfit Drogheda.

He is approaching the end of his 18-month deal, although Walsall have the option to extend by a further year.

Byfield said: “Elicha is stepping up his rehab now. Will he be available before the end of the season? I don’t think so.

“But he is in a good place. He’s out there on the grass running, not joining in the sessions with us, but I’m hoping that he’ll be able to get a couple in before the end of the season.”

Hollman is another who could re-enter the picture during pre-season, but Byfield does not expect him to be in contention before the end of the campaign.

The Australian suffered a season-ending hamstring injury in the 4-2 defeat at Northampton Town in the EFL Trophy round of 16 in January.

The 24-year-old, who is contracted with Walsall until 2027, featured just eight times in all competitions during his debut season in England.

“It won’t be this season that he plays, but he is in a good place,” Byfield added.

“Obviously they all want to play and he has not had a long-term injury like this.

“It’s difficult because he has come from Australia and his family are there. He is probably on his own and we have to make sure that they feel good, and everyone rallies around him as well.”