Paul Kalambayi and Alex Woodyard were both able to take part in full training ahead of Saturday’s League Two visit from Colchester United.
Kalambayi (right knee) was given a vigorous work out in Thursday’s session, while skipper Woodyard (right calf) was eased back in with the squad having not played this season.
“PK has been really stepping up his return to action,” said Johnnie Jackson. “He was pretty much involved in the whole session. He hasn’t missed too long, fortunately. He’s a fit boy, naturally. Hopefully, we can get him integrated as soon as possible.
“It was good to see ‘Woody’ back involved with some of the group stuff with some of the lads. It’s been a long time coming for him, as he has been out for a much longer period of time. We have to be clever with how we play it with his return and build him up, so that when he does come back he stays back. But he is getting much closer and it's brilliant that he’s involved in some of the group work as well now, so hopefully he’ll be back in the fold.”
Isaac Ogundere impressed in last weekend’s draw at Bradford City on his first league start, but Chris Gunter has also returned having been away on international duty with Wales.
“Chris comes back, having missed last week,” said Johnnie. “But young ‘Ogs’ was a more than able deputy on the day. He’s made a big claim to keep the shirt in that position, so we’ll have a close look at that and decide what way we want to go with it.”
Defender Paul Kalambayi pictured at training.
Alex Pearce was substituted early on, in the match up in West Yorkshire, and his situation is being monitored heading into Saturday’s home game at the Cherry Red Records Stadium.
“He came off with a groin complaint,” said Johnnie. “He was unable to continue, so we’re monitoring him closely this week. We don’t think it’s anything too serious, but he is going to be touch and go for this weekend.
“Paul Osew injured his ankle in the Trophy game against Crawley. He had to come off early on. He’s still sore, so we’re probably going to miss him for a number of games.”
Johnnie is very much looking forward to the visit of Colchester, a club he represented for several years.
“I’ve got some good memories of my playing days with Colchester,” said Johnnie. “I had three good years there and it's a good club. I enjoyed my time there and I’ve enjoyed playing against them. I’m relishing the opportunity to manage against them as well now.
“I thought the support up at Bradford was incredible, off the back of a tricky run and the fact it's a long way from home. The way they got behind us and the reception they gave the boys at the end, even though we conceded that late goal, showed they recognised that the players had given their all. We know that when we give them a performance like that, they’ll get behind us, so that’s got to be our aim on Saturday.”
You can see the full interview with Johnnie below, in which he pays his respects to volunteer David McKnight, who passed away on Sunday.