Exeter City Sees Injury List Shrink Ahead of FA Cup Clash

Exeter City is entering the FA Cup match against Halifax Town this Saturday with a reduced injury list, although most players still recovering are expected to miss the game. Notably, Sil Swinkels returned to the pitch in the recent 4-3 victory over Arsenal U21s in the Vertu Trophy, after two months sidelined due to a knee injury. He played 55 minutes, a duration that had been planned in advance, and emerged from the match unscathed.

Manager Gary Caldwell confirmed that all players who participated in the midweek match avoided further injuries. Nonetheless, with a quick turnaround and a lengthy journey to Yorkshire on Friday, training sessions will be staggered to accommodate the squad’s needs.

Positive news also surrounds defender Johnly Yfeko, who has rejoined the full training group following his own injury. Although he is not set to return for this weekend’s match, he may be available for the League One fixture against Wigan Athletic the following week.

Long-term absentees, including Sonny Cox, Jake Doyle-Hayes, and Ryan Rydel, are making progress in their recoveries. While they are unlikely to return for several weeks, Carlos Mendes Gomes is expected back at Cliff Hill next week after completing the initial stage of his rehabilitation at Bolton Wanderers.

“Johnly is back in training,” Caldwell noted. “Sonny is out on the grass, Jake Doyle-Hayes is progressing after an injection in his ankle, and Ryan has had injections in his hamstring, but all will be a number of weeks. Johnly should be ready in about ten days.”

With several players still unavailable, opportunities arise for those on the fringes of the squad to assert themselves. One player who showcased his potential is Liam Oakes, who made a notable impact in his first start of the season on Tuesday. Assistant manager Kevin Nicholson praised the 18-year-old’s performance, calling him “outstanding.”

“He has trained brilliantly for weeks and was in a position where he was hard to ignore,” Nicholson stated. “When he plays, he never shies away from it. That mentality and grit are what we need from all our players, and he deserved that opportunity.”

Nicholson emphasized that every match is a chance for players to prove they belong on the pitch. Oakes’ performance not only contributed to the team’s win but also demonstrated the importance of preparation and determination.

As Exeter City looks forward to their FA Cup challenge, the team remains focused on recovery and the strategic use of their available players. The coming days will be crucial as they prepare for an important match against Halifax Town, aiming to build on their recent success.