Walsall issue injury updates on Alex Pattison and Harry Williams

Lee Grant says Walsall midfielder Alex Pattison is progressing well with his recovery from a hamstring injury, but is treating his journey back to full fitness with the long-term picture in mind.

Pattison suffered the injury during the Saddlers’ 1-0 defeat at AFC Telford United in pre-season and was ruled out for two months.

That puts him in contention to return in early October, which Grant feels Pattison is on course to do, but he also wants him to return in a condition where he can contribute over the course of the season.

Grant considering long-term with Pattison

“Yes [Pattison is still on course] - he’s probably ahead, but we’re sort of trying to get him on the reins a little bit,” Grant revealed.

“Because we want Patto available to us. If we’ve got 41 games left of the season when he’s back then let’s have him available for all 41.

“Let’s not rush him and then maybe we lose him for a couple three or four weeks down the line.

“He’s in a really good place and is chomping at the bit.”

Update on Williams’ rehabilitation

Grant has refrained from putting a timeframe on Harry Williams, who has not featured since sustaining an Achilles injury in the play-off final defeat to Wimbledon in May last year.

When asked for an update, the Walsall head coach added: “Harry is hitting all of his markers and progressing really well.

“Most importantly for H, he’s in that sort of position where it’s just as much about what he’s doing mentally and psychologically, as it is about what he’s doing physically.

“It’s been such a long time, but what I’m seeing everyday is somebody who is coming in, fully committed to his work and doing everything that is being asked of him and more.

“He’s right where he needs to be and is getting all of the support he needs from the football club.”