YORK City’s injury list is making good progress with up to four players nearing their return to action under Adam Hinshelwood.

Scott Burgess, Adam Crookes, Michael Duckworth and Leone Gravata are all approaching their return to fitness after being reinstated into some form of training this week, with Gravata taking part in full training compared to the remaining trio in non-contact.

Hinshelwood is pleased to have been boosted by the near return of his squad, whilst Dipo Akinyemi and Will Smith may face late fitness tests for Saturday’s Vanarama National League match with Eastleigh at the LNER Community Stadium (3pm).

Akinyemi has struggled with a cold in midweek, whilst Smith has recovered from an injection after a knee injury sustained in the 2-0 victory over Bromley.

“I believe that everyone is all good,” Hinshelwood confirmed.

“Dipo has a bit of a cold, but it shouldn’t be anything too sinister and hopefully he will be back training tomorrow.

“We kept him away from the players today, but other than that it was a very light session with recovery for a lot of the players that played on the heavy pitch.

“We weren’t out on the grass pitch too much, but it was a group training who trained really well, so I’m hoping not to have any new injury concerns other than Rory [Watson].

“Smith has had an injection on his knee, so he’s been off his feet for the last couple of days and resting.

“He should be available for Saturday, we’ve got to manage it and as someone who played with knee injuries, I know the risk that is there if you’re playing on different scenarios.

“The 90 minutes at Bromley on the 3G caused his knee a bit of aggravation.

“He’s with us until the end of the season so he is very much our player, he will be in with us ready to go.

READ MORE: 

“It’s important with what we do, Cam [Cameron Morrison, first-team coach] is so good with the analysis.

“Scott Burgess, Crookesy [Adam Crookes], Ducky [Michael Duckworth] were joining in training today in non-contact.

“Leone Gravata is back training, it’s a good group who trained really well.

“They’re edging towards fitness and it is great to have these players coming back, but it’s not football for all at this stage.

“They’ve got to be patient.”

Hinshelwood also provided a welcome update on Thierry Latty-Fairweather, who suffered a concerning back injury in Good Friday’s 2-1 victory over National League champions Chesterfield.

The City boss confirmed that Latty-Fairweather will be sent off for more scans to avoid any further injury, despite the hospital giving the York defender the green light.

Hinshelwood also explained the situation of Callum Harriott and Kai Kennedy, who have been longer-term injuries, with the two wingers back on the training pitch to the manager’s delight.

Hinshelwood explained: “It’s still a bit tender around his [Latty-Fairweather] back, this Saturday might be too soon.

“Lewis [Bulmer, Head Physio] wants to send him for a scan and rule out any major issues, when they went to hospital they sent him away and seemed pretty happy with everything.

“We just want to make sure that everything is all good ourselves.

“He’s [Harriott] getting there, it’s great to see these lads, Callum Harriott and Kai Kennedy with their boots on and kicking the balls about.

“They are progressing nicely, there is still some strength work for Callum but it’s tough as a footballer when you’re not out on the grass and you haven’t got your boots on everyday.

“Seeing the other players out there, it’s tough so it’s nice to see them progressing and getting out on the grass now, it’s a massive boost.”