Kane Hemmings poised to return for Stags

Posted Friday, January 19, 2018 by PA

There is a strong chance Kane Hemmings will be back in the Mansfield squad for the visit of Cheltenham.

The striker, on loan from Oxford, was not risked against Cardiff in midweek having only recently returned to training following a hamstring problem. He will be monitored over the course of Friday.

Only central defender David Mirfin is definitely ruled out as he continues his recovery from knee surgery.

Stags boss Steve Evans has the likes of Zander Diamond, Will Atkinson, Alfie Potter and Lee Angol pushing for recalls.

Cheltenham boss Gary Johnson will give Sanmi Odelusi as long as possible to prove his fitness ahead of the trip to Field Mill.

Odelusi came off the bench to score on his debut against former club Colchester earlier this month.

But the 24-year-old missed last week’s home defeat to Accrington and Johnson is hopeful his new signing will recover in time to make his first start for the club.

Midfielder Harry Pell, who has not featured since Boxing Day, remains sidelined with injury, along with long-term absentees Jordan Cranston (hamstring), Jordon Forster (Achilles) and Jaanai Gordon (knee).