Wycombe Wanderers boss Gareth Ainsworth has revealed that Josh Scowen is ‘very close’ to returning to full fitness following his recent injury issues.
The 29-year-old midfielder hasn’t featured for the Chairboys since the 1-0 home victory against Accrington Stanley on September 13 and has missed the last 12 matches in all competitions.
In those fixtures where he hasn’t played, Wanderers have won three, drawn three, and lost six.
Not long spoken to the boss. He's 'gutted' and 'disappointed' following the performance. He takes responsibility for the opening goal as it came from another set piece but a positive is that Scowen is 'very close' to returning. Full articles to come up this evening #Chairboys
— James Richings (@James_BFP) November 5, 2022
Those defeats were against Derby County, Stevenage, Sheffield Wednesday, Plymouth Argyle, Cambridge United, and Walsall respectively.
When asked about the positives in Wanderers’ 2-0 home defeat against Walsall in the FA Cup on November 5, in which the Chairboys were second best, Ainsworth said: “Ryan Tafazolli, Sullay Kaikai, and Tjay De Barr all got minutes, Anis Mehmeti came on and looked very exciting and Josh Scowen is very close to coming back as well which is great.
Josh Scowen “very close” and Chris Forino back next week. #Chairboys
— The Wycombe Way (@theWycombeWay) November 5, 2022
“Josh has been training outside on the pitches and it’s unfortunate that we have lost our midfield this season.
READ MORE: Wycombe Wanderers are knocked out of the FA Cup by League Two Walsall at Adams Park
“Lewis Wing, Nick Freeman and David Wheeler have all tried to fill in that role and Lewis is probably our only natural midfielder at the moment.
“The squad will be getting very competitive and I am sure there will be some disappointed players, but that’s football as I need to put my best team out there to win the points.”
Couple of things here. I have sympathy in terms of injuries, especially in midfield, and feel that accounts for a lot. I think Gareth would want to be judged more closely with Scowen, Gape or Thompson in the squad.
— Gabriel Sutton (@GabSutton) November 5, 2022
On why Garath McCleary and Chris Forino were excluded from the squad, Ainsworth continued: “We’re saving a few legs as Garath McCleary picked up a knock so he will be back for next Saturday, Chris Forino is similar and he’ll be back next Saturday.
READ MORE: Live FA Cup duty at Adams Park: Wycombe Wanderers 0-2 Walsall - Chairboys knocked out
“There are many positives but we’re missing some of our big players.
“When we’re not at full strength, however, I still expect us to be more competitive than we were [against Walsall].”
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