Sampson hopes to have players back for Stevenage’s visit of Cambridge

Posted Friday, September 27, 2019 by PA

Stevenage caretaker boss Mark Sampson is hoping several players can return to full fitness in time to face Cambridge.

Defender Joel Byrom and midfielder Tom Soares have both been sidelined in recent weeks but Sampson hinted “one or two” unnamed players were closing in on their returns.

Sampson made four changes for last week’s goalless draw at Forest Green and the likes of Craig Mackail-Smith, Noor Husin and Dan Newton are pushing for recalls.

Midfielder Michael Timlin is expected to retain his place. He left the club for personal reasons in the summer but returned last week in time to make his second debut at Forest Green.

Cambridge’s midfield trio Luke Hannant, Harrison Dunk and Samir Carruthers are all hoping to return to contention.

Hannant (ankle) and Dunk both missed last week’s home defeat to Swindon, while Carruthers has been sidelined due to a hamstring injury. All three players returned to full training this week and will be assessed.

Midfielder Liam O’Neil recovered from a hamstring strain in time to play the full 90 minutes against Swindon and is likely to continue.

Another midfielder, Gary Deegan (blood poisoning) and defender Dan Jones (broken foot) remain unavailable.