Preston North End injury news and return dates ahead of Wrexham as update on ex-Watford man awaited
PNE could welcome back a couple of key men this weekend
Preston North End return to action against Wrexham on Saturday, with a couple of players pushing to be back involved.
Here’s a round-up of the PNE injury state of play.
Harrison Armstrong: The Everton loan man was expected back at Sheffield Wednesday but Preston opted against risking him. Post-match, manager Paul Heckingbottom felt that was the correct decision given the intensity of the game. PNE’s boss said the midfielder would be back for the visit of Phil Parkinson’s side.
Andrija Vukcevic: A two month lay-off was anticipated for the Montengrin, but he was pictured back in training this week and Heckingbottom gave him a chance of returning for Wrexham - after five weeks out. That is a big boost for North End, given the setback suffered by Jamal Lewis last time out.
Jamal Lewis: A tough one for the Northern Ireland international to take. Having come off the bench at half-time, last weekend, Lewis pulled up with a hamstring injury. He had been chasing for the ball and clearly pulled up, before making way. Heckingbottom will issue an update on the defender in his pre-match press conference.
Lewis Gibson: The centre-back was injured in the same match as Vukcevic - the home win against Sheffield United, on October 24. It was a thigh issue for the 25-year-old. On November 19 the PNE boss said Gibson was ‘still a while away’. A grade three injury tends to be 8-12 weeks.
Ali McCann: The latest update on PNE’s number eight also came on November 19, with McCann having broken his arm on October 21, against Birmingham City. McCann had an operation and Preston were awaiting an x-ray, then the all clear that he can join in with contact training. Another update should be given pre-Wrexham.
Brad Potts: There was an honest update on the number 44 from Heckingbottom, after last weekend’s game. Potts is back running but isn’t in the manager’s thoughts just yet, given the length of time he’s been sidelined. The North End stalwart was set for a return in early October but suffered a further setback.
Robbie Brady: Another one who hasn’t kicked a ball yet this campaign. Heckingbottom discussed the Irishman ahead of the trip to Hillsborough, with Brady expected back in January. He had surgery on a calf issue in September, having sustained the issue during pre-season.
Josh Seary: The full-back played his first minutes for a long while this week, as PNE’s Under-21s drew 1-1 with Charlton Athletic in the Premier League Cup. Last November, Seary suffered a serious knee injury while on loan with Larne FC. This summer saw him sign a six-month contract extension to continue his rehabilitation with North End.