RUSS Penn has given an update on the injury status of some of his players and discussed Cliff Moyo’s support of the team as he continues his own rehab.
Moyo had looked set for a strong campaign but picked up a serious injury in one of our early pre-season matches.
That unfortunately meant he would be on the sidelines for several months – although his lengthy recovery appears to be going well.
The former Guiseley skipper has been able to throw away his crutches and was at Aggborough walking in just a boot for the game against Brackley on Saturday.
The boss admitted seeing Moyo is bittersweet just now but knows how valuable he’ll be once he does return.
At present, that comeback looks to be slated for around February time but, as ever, plenty can change when it comes to a long-term injury.
Nonetheless, Penn said: “Cliff is a great lad and, mentally, very strong. He is another lad we barely talk about and he’s out long term.
“I get disappointed when I see Cliff, on the flip side, because I think: ‘he should be out there!’
“But he’ll be back stronger and, if we can get two months out of him and we’re at the right end of the table, it’ll be like a new signing, but we do have to get him there first.
“He’s a great lad and very positive, he was brilliant around the changing room on Saturday, and it was great to see him.”
The gaffer also added that skipper Lewis Montrose will remain out of action for a little while longer yet after suffering a ‘set-back’ in training last week.
The midfielder has had a luckless start to the term, making just three starts so far. He was withdrawn part way through the league defeat at AFC Fylde.
Penn added: “Monty had a set-back last week and he is going to be out for an amount of time, which is disappointing.
“I have always said – and this is no disrespect to anybody – that when we have a fully fit squad, it’s healthier.
“Obviously, losing Lewis Montrose and Joe Foulkes from your squad will make you not as strong, but we had enough out there to do a lot better than we did on Saturday and, in my eyes, win football matches.”
Foulkes, meanwhile, is continuing to be examined at parent club Walsall and recently underwent an MRI to determine the extent of his injury.
The player himself has been determined to support his Aggborough team mates, though, with Penn explaining that the youngster was also in attendance for the weekend fixture against the Saints.
“He was here supporting the boys,” said the gaffer. “That shows you his thoughts on the football club and our togetherness as a group of boys.”
There was at least some good news on the injury front for Harriers over this past weekend - Omari Sterling came off the bench to complete his recovery from a knee injury sustained last month.