Liam Rosenior has confirmed Jaden Philogene is back available for selection ahead of this weekend’s game against Huddersfield Town in the Sky Bet Championship.
The 21-year-old winger picked up a minor strain in training ahead of last weekend’s trip to The Hawthorns to face West Bromwich Albion. However, Rosenior says the England Under-21 starlet has recovered in time to face the Terriers.
“The good news is that Jaden is fit and trained today (Thursday), so that’s a really positive sign for us,” revealed Rosenior.
“He’s in such good form. He’s shown exactly why we worked so hard to beat off so much competition to bring him in.
“We missed him (against West Brom). He’s a top player at this level in his position. Sometimes you’re a better player when you’re out of the team. Hopefully, Jaden can continue his form.
“I don’t want to put too much pressure on him, I want him to enjoy his football. He’s improving all the time. I’m delighted that he’s going to be fit for Saturday.”
Having made his first appearance of the season against Ipswich Town at the beginning of October, Rosenior has revealed a lengthy injury set-back for winger Doğukan Sinik. The 24-year-old had made a regular return to the matchday squad but was ruled out for last weekend’s game against West Brom.
“He finished the training session on Friday and was absolutely fine,” explained Rosenior.
“He actually had a knock on the head, so we tested him for concussion - he was absolutely fine. He woke up on Saturday morning in the team hotel and felt his knee. There’s been ligament damage.
“He’s had his scan and he’s going to see the specialist to make sure he doesn’t need an operation but that could leave him out for a long time. To be honest, it’s one of those. I’ve never heard of it in my life - a player to have ligament damage and feel it without training.
“I feel devastated for him. He’s worked really hard to come back to the right level of fitness. We were trying to build him up to have an effect and it’s a real set-back for him.”
Rosenior also provided an update on the fitness of Jason Lokilo, Adama Traoré and Aaron Connolly.
“Jason Lokilo should be back after the international break,” added Rosenior.
“Adama will miss out as well, but he should be back straight after the international break.
“Aaron is fit and good to go. A lot of issues around his toe which Andrew (Balderston) and the medical staff have worked with him on. He’ll be available for the team.”
Finally, Rosenior also revealed that midfielder Regan Slater is making good progress as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury he suffered against Plymouth Argyle at the end of September and could make a return after the international break.
“Never have a precise timescale because I always end up looking silly one way or another,” said Rosenior when questioned about the 24-year-old’s recovery.
“What I would say is Regan has been doing his running, his sprinting and he’s right on track. Hopefully, we’ll have him back for the game against Swansea.”
