Christopher Long will undergo a ‘mini pre-season’ to guard against a breakdown in his recovery from injury.

The striker, who has only managed one substitute appearance this term due to ankle-related problems, is close to a first-team return.

But interim manager Lee Bell revealed that Long will now take steps to get even fitter, to avoid any further complications.

Bell said: “Chris will do a mini pre-season to get him right up to speed, because we don’t want him playing another 20 minutes, getting injured, and then us not seeing him again for weeks.

“We may as well sacrifice another week or so, knowing we will then get him for a longer period.”

Meanwhile, Bell reported that top-scorer Courtney Baker-Richardson, who he preferred not to risk off the bench at the weekend, is in training.

And midfielder Charlie Colkett is continuing his journey back to full fitness, after playing 52 minutes for the Under-21s in a 2-0 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday.

Bell added: “I’m really pleased for Charlie Colkett, he’s a good character around the place and a lovely footballer.

“We just have to get some minutes into him, and then he has to force his way into the team.”