Tom Bradshaw nears a return for Walsall
Manager Dean Smith remains hopeful Walsall's top scorer Tom Bradshaw will return for this weekend's derby at Coventry City.
The nine-goal striker missed his third straight game with a hamstring injury at Fleetwood on Saturday.
His fitness will be assessed again this week, along with that of midfielder Sam Mantom who was also absent again with a long-term knee problem.
Wide player Mal Benning meanwhile has undergone a scan on a knee injury suffered in last week's FA Cup defeat to Shrewsbury.
Saturday's win was the Saddlers first in the league without Bradshaw in the starting line-up and Smith was delighted with the performance, after ringing the changes on the forward line.
His team have now taken 10 points from the last 12 – a run he is eager to see continue, saying: "I'm hopeful Tom will be available (for Coventry).
"Bu,t if not, the lads have shown us what they can do. It is looking positive and that is what we will take from it.
"We will move on to another tough game next week against Coventry. We just look to the next game.
"We have had two really good away performances in the league and we need to maintain that level."
Smith revealed he had spoken with Romaine Sawyers, Anthony Forde and Mathieu Manset about their below par displays in the loss at Shrewsbury.
The latter two were dropped, while Sawyers scored the only goal of the game.
Smith added: "He didn't have his best game against Shrewsbury by his standards and he knew that. But he was very important at Fleetwood.
"Romaine is a terrific footballer and we know he let his level drop at Shrewsbury. It was unlike him but I spoke to him in the week and he's bounced back really well.
"The only thing he needs more of is goals and he got one on Saturday."
