Walsall receive injury boost as midfielder Alex Pattison returns to training

Lee Grant has revealed Walsall midfielder Alex Pattison has returned to full training this week.

The 29-year-old has been sidelined with a hamstring injury, which he suffered during the Saddlers pre-season defeat at AFC Telford United on July 25.

Pattison was ruled out for two months following a scan, and while he appears to be ahead of schedule, the timeframe in terms his possible return remains somewhat unclear.

Walsall welcome Pattison back to training

“Patto has trained with us all week. That’s been massive for the group and for him,” head coach Grant confirmed.

“We want him back fit and available. This week has been a huge step forward for Patto and we’re pleased about that.”

He added: “It’s important that we make the right calls because the temptation would be to chuck him back in for 90 minutes immediately.

“That’s not the smart thing to do. There’s probably still a degree of having to adhere to past injury history and managing his load.

“All of those things will be taken into account, but as far as having him back in training, it’s been a pleasure.”

Grant insists that Walsall are considering the long-term picture with Pattison, who he feels can be an important player when he returns.

Grant: Walsall mindful of ‘long-term picture’ with Pattison

He also pointed to the patience shown towards Ryan Leak’s rehabilitation following a groin injury and suggested that Walsall will take a similar approach with Pattison.

“You have to be mindful of the full picture and not just what is presented to you today,” Grant added.

“Pattison has trained really well this week, scoring goals and looking powerful. You have to take in the full picture and we’ll do that with Patto.

“It’s a case of getting him to a place where he feels at his explosive best for as long as he’s needed to do. Then where he can complete 90 minutes and contribute over the course of what every game has been so far, which is really tough and arduous.

“We’re well on our way with that. Like I say, decisions to be made for this weekend and the weekend after, but it’s all positive.”

‘Super clear’ - Grant on Pattison’s role at Walsall

Pattison played as one of the 8s under Mat Sadler and Darren Byfield last term, but was tasked with playing on the right of Grant’s 4-2-3-1 system during pre-season.

When asked on the role he has planned for Pattison, Grant explained: “I’m super clear on it with Patto. His role and the role that he performed for me in pre-season will be one that he looks to establish himself once again when he gets back up to speed.

“He has the ability to play deeper, but I think his attributes really lend itself, in the structure that we play in, to the role he played throughout pre-season.

“Patto acquitted himself really well in that and looked right at home in the slot. We’ll continue with that, but that doesn’t mean at any point, that there isn’t an opportunity for them to slide across to the other side of the pitch, or slightly deeper or higher depending on context and game dynamic.

“But Patto’s role is pretty clear in my mind and I think he’s pretty settled with that.”