Walsall forced to wait on star Sam Mantom
Walsall boss Dean Smith claims time is the only healer for Sam Mantom as the injured midfielder's frustrating lay-off goes on.
The former Albion man is yet to play this season after injuring his knee in the summer and suffering several setbacks during the early weeks of the season.
And Smith insisted he shares the frustration of Saddlers fans, saying: "I'm the same, every morning when I go in there and talk to (physio) Jon Whitney.
"Sam is still feeling it so he is not out on the training ground with us at the moment.
"I don't think he can go to anymore specialists. He has had an MRI scan, an ultra-sound scan he has had an injection in there.
"I think the only healer can be time. It has taken a long-time already but it is just one of those things you can't rush. He just strained his ligaments while on holiday and he has been close to getting back.
"He played 20 or 30 minutes against Villa in pre-season and we were hoping that would be the one which kick-started things but it has taken a lot longer."
And Smith admitted the inability to field a settled midfield, due in part to Mantom's absence, has contributed to his side's inconsistent start to the season.
"I think what is important for me is I can now turn round if I need to change things and have the depth in the squad," he said.
"There have been times, certainly in the central midfield area, where we have been a bit light."
