Former Carlisle United midfielder Joe Riley has had to wait a long time for his debut at new club Walsall.
He was signed from Carlisle in the summer but has not yet played a single competitive game for the Saddlers after suffering a major foot injury which subsequently required surgery.
Two floating bone fragments appeared to be causing the problem so then he had an exploratory operation in October, and appears to have made a good recovery.
Manager Michael Flynn says the bone has been healing well according to the medics and they are pleased with his progress.
Riley won’t be ready until the new year and has yet to have a boot taken off his foot which was put on to aid his recovery.
Flynn told the club website: “It’s always good to have a player back from injury and with Joe we are being cautious as he hasn’t had the boot taken off yet but we are told the injury is progressing well.
“When he does come back it will be like having a new player and certainly an extra option because he hasn’t featured for us yet so we look forward to when he can.”
Riley, who was 26 on Tuesday, played 73 times for Carlisle scoring five goals in two seasons at Brunton Park, He had started at Man United without making a first team appearance and subsequently played twice on loan at Sheffield United and six times after moving to Bradford City.
Walsall have made steady progress up the League Two table and will be looking to figure in the end of season play-offs at least.
