Ollie Palmer is expected to return to light training with Swindon Town next week, providing a significant boost ahead of schedule. The target man has been absent for almost seven weeks after suffering an ankle injury at the County Ground in early September.
Palmer played on through the initial problem but was subsequently sidelined by considerable swelling. He has since been undergoing specialist rehabilitation work in London, with the results described as positive. His anticipated return to the training pitch is a welcome development for a side sitting 14th in League Two on 16 points, having recorded four wins and four draws from their 13 games so far this season.
Current context and next steps
Swindon's recent form has been mixed, with one win, two draws and two losses in their last five outings, culminating in a goalless draw at Bristol Rovers on Saturday 24 October. This sequence follows a 3-1 win at Barnet on Tuesday 20 October, a 1-1 home draw with Walsall on Saturday 17 October, and defeats to Crewe and Rochdale. They have scored 13 goals and conceded 16 this term, leaving them with a minus three goal difference and nine points adrift of leaders Salford City. The potential return of Palmer adds a physical presence up front as the team looks to climb the standings.
His comeback is targeted for before the next home fixture against Rotherham on Saturday, 31 October. Rotherham currently occupy 22nd place, making it a key opportunity for Swindon to build momentum. The club will hope Palmer can integrate quickly to support top scorer Aaron Drinan, who has netted 22 times this season, including a brace in the recent victory at Barnet.
The original report is at themoonraker.counterpress.media
