Zola and Tootle For Possible Returns

Defender Matthew Tootle is in line for a return to the side this weekend whilst striker Calvin Zola is returning to full fitness.

Tootle is more than likely to return to the starting line up for the derby clash against Vale on Saturday. With loan defender Chris Stokes nursing a hamstring strain it's left the door wide open for Toots to reclaim the left back spot.

Having made over 15 appearances this season, his first as a professional, Tootle lost his place in the side following a minor injury in the home game against Grimsby earlier this month.

After sitting out games against Torquay and Notts County, Dario says that Tootle's rest will have done him good but it's not the end of loanee Stokes:

'I don't expect to have Chris [Stokes] fit this weekend but Tootle is fine.

'I think the short break will have done him some good and it was the perfect opportunity to bring Chris in and have a long-term view of him.'

With Stokes injured and full back cover in both Carl Martin & Ashley Westwood suspended for this weekend's game, Dario will be hoping his left back won't be hobbling off the pitch this Saturday.

Meanwhile Dario will have his fingers crossed in regards to the fitness of Calvin Zola.

The club's top scorer has seen his match availability change more times than the average Facebook status in the last couple of weeks. Since pulling a hamstring at the start of February at Rochdale Zola has made just one sub appearance, away at Torquay.

He's 'suffered' a variety of injuries in between with the latest being a recurrence of an ankle injury. Dario told CreweAlex.net that Calvin is currently working with the medical staff and though signs are good it's still a little early to say if he'll be fit for the weekend.

'I saw [Calvin] out there yesterday attached to a elastic rope!

'I think the medical staff have a new toy and wanted to try it out. He was working hard and cannot be too far off. This weekend, we'll have to wait and see.'

Having seen Miller and Donaldson struggle up front on Saturday against Notts County, firing a blank for the first time in four games, a return of Zola will most certainly be welcomed in time for the undoubtedly physical game at Vale Park.

The only other remaining concerns for the Railwaymen are James Bailey, who has the week to recover from a facial/eye injury picked up on Saturday, and Byron Moore, who is out for five weeks with ankle ligament damage.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.