Fresh Frankie Okoronkwo update as Doncaster Rovers turn attentions towards Cardiff City clash
Frankie Okoronkwo still needs to pass certain hurdles before he can make his Doncaster Rovers comeback.
That's the verdict of manager Grant McCann, who will consult his coaching staff and specifically those in the sports science department before rubber-stamping the Everton loanee's return.
Okoronkwo, 21, made an impressive start to his Rovers career only to see his progress curtailed after picking up a hamstring injury in January. That has seen him sit out the last six games, the latest of which was the 2-1 derby success at rivals Rotherham last weekend.
"Frankie has had two sessions and still needs to hit certain parameters, such as sprint distances," McCann told the Free Press after the derby comeback win, when asked for an update on the striker.
"He's not really opened his legs to a proper sprint yet. He's had lots of high-speed running but when he runs he's probably the quickest player we have. So we need him to get to those numbers before we can think about him."
With no game until Saturday's home fixture with league leaders Cardiff City, this blank midweek represents the perfect opportunity for Rovers to rest and recuperate before a hectic schedule for the final portion of the campaign. The downtime should also allow some of those players carrying knocks and niggles to fully recharge, including Luke Molyneux and Ben Close.
Molyneux, who scored the winner at the New York Stadium, was substituted in the latter stages with what McCann described as "a bit of a cramp" whilst Close was left out as a precaution after picking up "a little knock". Close has only just recently returned to the fold after suffering a collapsed lung over the festive period.
There was also a flashpoint in the wake of Molyneux's goal when Harry Clifton and Jack Senior clashed heads during the celebrations in front of the away end although both men were fine to continue after lengthy treatment before each was bandaged up.
Goalkeeper Zander Clark (thigh) and defender Sean Grehan (hamstring) are the only other absentees in the squad right now.