Smalley on the comeback trail

Deane Smalley: on his way back to fitness

ATHLETIC have been told Deane Smalley will not require surgery on a damaged disc in his back as was feared.

The results of a new scan has shown a marked improvement and Smalley’s specialist does not believe an operation is necessary.

Striker Smalley has been out of action for over two months since breaking down pre-season and since then there has been great debate as to what the best course of treatment would be.

The 21-year-old has been given the go-ahead to resume training which has initially involved swimming, cycling and work on cross trainers. He has also had his first light run.

Physio Marc Czuczman has been given a programme for Smalley, though it is still unlikely he will be back before December.

“The specialist wants to see Deane in another seven to eight weeks time to determine his return date which falls into our original three/flour month plan from the outset,” explained Czuczman, who added they have contingency plans in place should he break down.

Smalley’s season has been plagued by injury and illness which also included a fortnight’s lay-off pre-season with a groin strain.

Then last month he spent five days in hospital with salmonella food poisoning after having a Chinese meal in Manchester.

Ironically, the fortnight Smalley was forced to rest last month is thought to have helped his back improve.

Lewis Alessandra also has a long haul back to fitness having had surgery to repair damaged ankle ligaments.

The 20-year-old striker went into hospital for an exploratory operation, but the surgeon found two of the three main ligaments had snapped completely.

Alessandra’s foot will be in a cast for between six and eight weeks after which he can start his rehabilitation.