WANDERERS have confirmed that five players are currently unable to train at full tilt during their pre-season camp in Portugal.
Dion Charles, Carlos Mendes Gomes, Jack Iredale, Randell Williams and Luke Southwood have travelled to the Algarve but have been restricted to gym work while the rest of the squad begin outdoor training in preparation for the new season.
Ian Evatt reckons last season’s top scorer Charles could be back in action after a knee injury in between two and three weeks.
Iredale’s injury is, as yet, undisclosed but is likely to keep him out for the start of the pre-season schedule, along with new signing Southwood, who fractured his fibula in May playing for Cheltenham Town.
Williams tore a muscle in his foot the day before the play-off final and Mendes Gomes is unlikely to return until later in the year having ruptured his Achilles against Wigan Athletic in late February.
“We’re carrying over some historical stuff from last season, which isn't ideal,” Evatt clarified. “But it's important they stay integrated with the rest of the group and everyone's in it together so that when we get them back, they're ready to go.
“Dion is probably ahead of the others. Randell will probably miss the start of this season but Dion, Jack and Luke Southwood should all be okay, while Carlos is obviously more long-term.”
Wanderers have been on double sessions since they arrived on the Algarve at the weekend, with Evatt pleased to see his squad in a positive frame of mind.
“We travelled over on Friday and did some more testing on Friday and Saturday before we went out as a team for some time together as a bonding session and then the work proper has started this week,” he explained.
“It's been tough, but the application has been excellent. We discussed Wembley and then we’ve had to park it because that's how we move forward and there seems to be a real positivity and desire about us.
“They know this is where the majority of the work for the season is done, especially in terms of fitness and confidence in your body and I have been delighted with the application so far.”