Walsall midfielder Ronan Maher suffers injury blow after Tamworth loan

Maher played twice for the Lambs after joining them on a one-month loan deal and scored a memorable extra time equaliser as they dumped League One outfit Burton Albion out of the FA Cup earlier this month.

However, the 20-year-old was forced off with six minutes of extra time left to play and has not featured since. His loan at Tamworth, who face Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur at the Lamb in the third round, expired last week. 

And Sadler confirmed the Walsall academy graduate is continuing his road to recovery at Essington and is hopeful he will be back out on the grass soon.

Sadler said: "Ankle. Ronan has got another few weeks of rehab to go. It won't be too long until he is out on the grass but not just yet."

The former Republic of Ireland under-19 international has made six starts for Walsall in cup competitions this term but has been restricted to just two cameo appearances from the bench in League Two. 

He had two spells on loan at Rushall Olympic last season - registering four goals and six assists in 25 matches in the National League North. 

Maher, who first arrived at Walsall aged 11, has made 29 appearances for the club since making his debut at 17-years-old in July 2022.

His injury adds to a growing list in the midfield area after Jack Earing was forced off with an ankle issue during Walsall's 2-0 win over Newport County on Sunday. 

Sadler was unable to provide a time frame for Earing although he admitted it "didn't look great". 

George Hall was also ruled out for "six to eight weeks" earlier this month and is expected to miss the whole of January.