Head Physio Steve Phillips says it is vital that Rio Adebisi’s foot injury is fully healed before he returns to action.

The 21-year-old, who has made 46 appearances for the club, has not played since December last year due to a broken bone in his foot.

He underwent surgery in March but recovery has been frustratingly slow for all concerned.

However, Steve is hopeful that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

He said: “Rio has been out for several months after sustaining a stress fracture in a bone in his foot.

“We put him in a boot for six weeks to try to allow the bone to heal naturally but unfortunately it was taking too long.

“So, in consultation with the surgeon in London we elected to pin the bone, which will hold it rock solid, and we also rotated an artery in his foot to try to increase the blood supply to that area.

“It was quite a major operation which went successfully but unfortunately, it’s quite a long road to recover from it.

“We are near the end of that but it’s about getting him right and ensuring that bone is fixed once and for all.”