Tranmere Rovers still have a number of players missing through injury as they prepare to take on Accrington Stanley at Prenton Park this weekend.
However, it shouldn’t be too long before we see returns for long-term absentees such as Ollie Banks and Harvey Gilmour, which will provide a big boost for boss Micky Mellon going into a busy period of fixtures.
The latest injury concern came on Wednesday night as striker Rushian Hepburn-Murphy was carried off on a stretcher during the 3-2 EFL Trophy win over Manchester United Under-21.
The Aston Villa loanee tweeted that it may not be as bad as feared, but it’s unsure whether he’ll be ready for this weekend’s clash with John Coleman’s side.
Let’s take a closer look at who’s unavailable for Micky Mellon for this weekend…
MARK ELLIS
Mark Ellis sustained a knee injury towards the back end of last season and remains absent. It’s likely to be some time yet until we next see the experienced defender in a Rovers shirt on the pitch. A return date of February is the target for the former Shrewsbury Town man.
EVAN GUMBS
Another who picked up a serious knee injury at the end of last term, the young defender is not going to be available for selection until the new year. Again, February is the target when Gumbs might be back to full fitness and ready to challenge for a place in the squad.
KANE WILSON
The full-back, on loan from West Bromwich Albion, serves the final match of his three-games suspension following a red card against Wycombe Wanderers in the FA Cup First Round replay. Confusingly, the ban did not extend to the EFL Trophy, meaning he featured in midweek, but he’ll have to sit this one out before becoming available once again at Lincoln next week.
OLLIE BANKS
The former Oldham Athletic midfielder was in good form until a knee injury was sustained innocuously in training. Banks went under the knife recently and he is ruled out until the New Year.
HARVEY GILMOUR
Gilmour took his opportunity in the side after injuries to others, before picking up a knee injury one of his own. Six to eight weeks was the suggested rehab for the former Sheffield United man, so he could be close to a return, if not this week, then in the next week or two.
ISHMAEL MILLER
The big striker was enjoying a decent pre-season before pulling up with a hamstring injury in Rovers’ final pre-season friendly against Walsall. There has been very little said about his situation, so it’s unknown whether he will return to action before his six-month contract expires in January.
JORDAN PONTICELLI
The Coventry City loanee has been absent for a few weeks through injury, although the extent of the problem hasn’t been spoken about so it’s unknown whether he’ll be available or not.
RUSHIAN HEPBURN-MURPHY
The striker was carried off in midweek against Manchester United Under-21. However, he tweeted positive news after scans in hospital. Unsure as to whether he’ll be available for this game, but hopefully it’s not as bad as first feared and he’ll be available again soon.
