Marrow concern for Millwall trip

Alex Marrow - injury doubt

ALEX MARROW is Athletic’s only new injury worry as they prepare for a speedy return to London.

The 19-year-old was substituted late on in Saturday’s 2-1 victory at Leyton Orient after complaining of a tight groin muscle and is being closely monitored for the trip to Millwall in Coca-Cola League One tomorrow.

But Athletic remain hopeful that Marrow, who is on loan from Blackburn Rovers, will be fit for the visit to the New Den.

The youngster started Saturday’s match in the centre of midfield after Dave Penney decided to employ an extra player in the engine room, but he reverted to right-back after swapping places with Andy Holdsworth in the second half.

Defender Reuben Hazell had stitches to repair a cut to his face caused by a flaying elbow, but is okay.

Manager Penney said the win — Athletic’s first of the season — will boost confidence, and is looking for a repeat show tomorrow night.

Athletic are still waiting for reports from specialists before deciding the course of action to take regarding Joe Jacobson and Deane Smalley.

Left-back Jacobson will have a scan this week which should reveal the extent of his groin/stomach injury.

Smalley, meanwhile, has a back problem and is set to see a specialist.

Athletic have received some cheer on the injury front. Rob Purdie, who has had a stomach-muscle injury, has started running again.

Purdie has yet to play for Athletic after his summer move from Darlington. He was hurt in the extra week’s training the players did at the start of June.

Meanwhile, Athletic have loaned midfielder Dale Stephens to League Two neighbours Rochdale for a month with a view to him gaining more experience.

The 21-year-old was an unused substitute in Saturday’s 1-0 win against Aldershot.

Athletic have been drawn at home to Accrington Stanley in the first round of the Johnstone’s Paints Trophy. The game takes place in the week commencing Monday, August 31.