Latics check on Abbott’s progress

PAWEL ABBOTT returned to Athletic HQ today, with the club hopeful of making an assessment as to the timescale of his comeback.

The 27-year-old went over to a renowned specialist in Germany for an operation on a hernia prior to the FA Cup first round tie at home to Leeds United earlier this month.

On departing, the hope was that by sending the six-goal top scorer he would be back and ready for action once again in as little as seven days.

However, complications ensued as the surgery took place and Abbott spent a week longer than anticipated holed up in hospital overseas, shattering hopes of a quick return to the first team.

The worst-case prognosis for Abbott’s post-op recovery now extends as far as six weeks — possibly ruling him out until the New Year.

Athletic physio Marc Czuczman has in his possession the report from the hernia specialist and will now assist the former Huddersfield and Swansea front man back to full fitness.

Manager Dave Penney has certainly missed Abbott badly.

Only five other players have hit the net in Athletic’s 16 Coca-Cola League One matches this season, contributing seven goals between them — only one more than Abbott has managed on his own.

Having stated after last week’s Gillingham defeat that he is happy with the striking options he has already got, Penney will be hopeful of better fortunes in front of goal against high-flying Colchester United at Boundary Park on Saturday.

Athletic’s strong defence will also need to be on its mettle, as Colchester have scored more goals (13) away from home than any other side in the division, bar Bristol Rovers.


ATHLETIC have issued a reminder that season ticket holders in the Leesfield Developments Stand (Rochdale Road End) need to relocate for the upcoming Leeds United home match on Tuesday, December 1.

The visitors have been allocated the whole of the stand and fans usually stationed in that end will need to visit the ticket office to exchange for a different area of the ground.