Swindon Town forward Fletcher Holman is progressing well from a serious hamstring injury and is targeting a return to action in January. Manager Ian Holloway confirmed the 22-year-old is ahead of schedule but will not be rushed back after suffering a Grade 3C tear in a pre-season friendly against Bristol City three months ago. The club, currently 13th in League Two with 19 points from 14 games, will be keen to integrate him carefully as they look to close a 12-point gap to the leaders.

Holman has been back running on grass for the last three weeks, slowly increasing his training intensity. His own personal goal was a mid-December comeback, but the club's medical and coaching staff are taking a more cautious approach. Holloway stated he does not expect to see Holman playing for Swindon Town before the turn of the year, emphasising the need for a full and proper rehabilitation block.

The manager explained his reasoning, pointing to a previous instance where Holman returned too soon and was not fully fit. Holloway is adamant that this time the player will complete a sustained period of training, not only a few days, before being considered for selection. The club has only registered 21 of the 22 players permitted on their official EFL squad list, leaving a space that could be used to add Holman once he is fully ready.

Their recent form has been mixed, with two wins, two draws and a loss from their last five outings, a sequence that includes a 2-1 home victory over Rotherham on October 31st where Jack Thomson and Joseph Hungbo scored. This result followed a goalless draw at Bristol Rovers on October 24th and a 3-1 win at Barnet on October 20th. The next challenge is a home fixture against sixth-placed Grimsby Town on Saturday 14 November.

Holman, who is too old to be classed as an under-21 player for registration purposes, has been working diligently in the gym to understand and overcome his fitness issue. His eventual return will provide a fresh option for Holloway as Swindon Town look to build on their mid-table position in the second half of the season. The team has scored 15 goals and conceded 17 so far this campaign, with striker A. Drinan the current top scorer with 22 goals in 40 appearances across all competitions. The club's next match is at the County Ground against Grimsby in 10 days' time.

The original report is at Swindon Town report