Preston North End striker Louis Moult is nearing the end of a 19-month injury lay-off

Moult resumed training with the PNE squad earlier in the month but after more than a year-and-a-half out, throwing him straight back into the squad would be a risk.

Instead the 28-year-old will get more training time under his belt until he gets to the stage when he feels he is ready to play.

With the season finishing on May 8, Moult has a bit of time on his side as far as this campaign is concerned.

North End interim head coach Frankie McAvoy gave an update on Moult at his press conference to look ahead to Friday’s clash with Norwich.

McAvoy said: “Louis is looking good in training, he is getting there.

“The best people on this subject are our medical team and we’ve had a good chat.

“When someone has been out this long, you take it day by day.

“Louis is in full-contact training, he’s doing everything the others do.

“What we need to do is be mindful of the time Louis has lost and not rush him back too quickly. The responsibility is ours to make sure we don’t throw him into things too quickly and he breaks down.

“That is the not the game here, the task is to try and get Louis prepared as best we can and ultimately when he is ready that will be a big thing.

“Louis will let us know when he feels ready to be involved.”

Moult ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in August 2019, doing damage to other parts of the joint too. Three times he has had surgery and now there looks like some light at the end of the tunnel for him.

His contract runs out this summer so whatever his future holds, being able to train fully and get back in the squad at some stage is important for Moult.

McAvoy said: “The medical team and sports scientists have worked extensively with Louis, getting him through his rehab to this stage.

“Just seeing him back on the pitch and training with the other lads is great to see, it gives everyone a big lift.

“It’s been a long process, so it’s not just a case that because Louis is back in training he’s going straight into the squad.

“We are maybe a wee bit away from that at the moment but things are moving into the right direction which is great after all this time."

Thanks for reading. If you value what we do and are able to support us, a digital subscription is just £1 per month for the first two months. Try us today by clicking here