Walsall "not closing the door" on injured Kemar Roofe as decision on future awaits
Walsall are "not closing the door" on injured striker Kemar Roofe, but Mat Sadler insists his rehabilitation is still the main priority at this stage.
The 33-year-old has not featured since suffering a groin issue during the Saddlers' 2-0 win at Gateshead in the FA Cup second round on December 7.
Roofe, who made four appearances for the club, went for a scan in mid to late December and was ruled out for six to seven weeks.
'Everything still open' - Sadler on Roofe's future
His short-term deal which he signed in November expires on this month, although no exact date has been provided, and Sadler has revealed that all options remain on the table
"Everything as ever is still open, I'll never close the door on anything," boss Sadler revealed.
"The most important thing is his health. Until that is resolved, everything else is just talk.
"We've got to make sure that he gets fits, strong and feels more like himself.
"Because we've all seen that the past couple of years have been a real test injury-wise for Kemar.
"Him re-signing in November was for the right reasons and then unfortunately that hasn't gone perfectly.
"That takes it's toll as well, but we've got to make sure that whatever happens, is all for the right reasons."
Rehab is the main priority for Roofe and Walsall
The Walsall-born striker is not expected to be back until at least early February, as he continues his recovery following a two-year period plagued by injuries.
Roofe featured twice for Walsall from the bench in League Two - in a 2-0 home defeat against Colchester United and a 2-0 win at Harrogate Town in November.
His only start came in a 2-1 victory over Stevenage in the EFL Trophy on December 2 - which was his first since playing for Rangers in April 2024.
"The focus is rehab. He has had another injection [on Thursday last week] which will hopefully not only speed up, but strengthen that recovery," Sadler added.
"It's most important to get him back training and then we'll see where we go from there."
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