Workington Reds forward Charlie Bowman is to have an operation on the damaged vertebrae he suffered in a work accident.
Bowman was hit by a 60ft falling tree and is currently in a Leeds hospital recovering, acknowledging he’s been “very, very lucky.”
A popular member of the Workington squad, Bowman has been speaking briefly to Reds manager Chris Willcock and texting.
Willcock said: “Charlie knows he’s been very lucky and accepts that getting back to playing is secondary to being able to get about again.
“He is very popular throughout the club and everybody is rooting for him.
“Actually over the last fortnight we’ve seen him going really well in training and were convinced he was going to play a good part in our end-of-season run in.”
The recent stop-start nature of Reds’ season could have a demotivation affect on the players, something which Willcock is aware of going into Saturday’s home game with Widnes.
“The lads just want to play and get on with the job of winning the League. Having as many breaks as we’re having just now is not conducive to maintaining our momentum.
“We are confident of playing on Saturday but then we have a Saturday without a fixture before we resume on Tuesday, March 8 at Bootle.
“The break has helped Dav Symington and his hamstring problem. He’s training well again and will be in the squad on Saturday.
“At the same time it’s not good news on Tinners (Conor Tinnion) as he’s had a set-back with his hamstring injury and will miss the next two games.
“The big plus for everyone, though, is that Scott Allison will be back in the squad on Saturday.
“He’s been in training for a little while and although the specialist did advise him waiting another month he wants to play again.
“He’s kept himself in shape and feels ready to go, so he will be back with us against Widnes. His problem shoulder has given him no issues after the operation and he’s back at work as a scaffolder.
“I feel sure, too, that Nico Evangelinos will be ready to resume playing by March 12 when we go to Leek Town. I think we’ve got to the bottom of the problem and he’s making good progress.”
Josh Dixon, the young midfielder on loan from Carlisle United, completes his month’s stay after the week-end and Reds will be considering what happens after that.
Saturday’s opponents Widnes were involved in one of only two matches on Saturday, beating Prescot Cables 2-1.
They currently sit 11th in the table, some 30 points behind the Reds.
