O'Neil could return for Southend clash, other Spireites need more time

Club physio Roger Wylde has revealed that he’s happy with the midfielder’s progress, having returned to full training after an operation.

O’Neil hurt his ankle back in April when a ball struck him on the toe, with the club initially hopeful of a return before the end of the 2015/16 season.

But the problem turned out to be much more serious than they originally thought and the 23-year-old ex West Brom man went under the knife.

Liam O’Neil’s career stats and player profile.

Wylde said: “Liam’s now back in full training after his ankle reconstruction, he’s responding well to the training with just little reactions now and then - but that’s what happens when you’ve been out for a while. “You get adaptation of tissue and that’s all it is.”

The head of sports science and medicine at the Proact says another week of training could have O’Neil ready for match action.

“He’s fine, we’re happy and he should be available for the game at Southend United after our own little international break,” he said.

As for Ched Evans, currently on trial at Cardiff Crown Court for a rape allegation, Wylde believes the striker needs another couple of weeks or so to recover from a tear in his right foot.

Wylde said: ““An uncommon injury and it’s a case of letting it heal - but that takes time as there’s not a big blood supply to that tissue and everything needs blood to heel.

“We are strengthening, stretching, treating and massaging and he should, we hope, be available in another couple of weeks or so.”

Tommy Lee and Angel Martinez are both in ‘late-stage rehab’ according to the club’s medical expert and neither player is ready to return just yet.

And Dan Jones is beginning his post-surgery rehab, four weeks after yet another operation on his ankle.

Wylde said: “He’s now four weeks post-op and starting his very early rehab.

“We’re looking at another eight weeks at least before he’s going to be ready.”

Right-back Paul McGinn needs another two to four weeks to recover from a hamstring tear, sustained against Bury.

But there is some good news for Danny Wilson, with Wylde revealing that Rai Simons and Lloyd Allinson are back in training and ‘doing fine.’