Mansfield Town's player fitness latest as Nigel Clough confirms plan for Port Vale clash

Stags will look to pick up their first win in the tournament, recently renamed the Jersey Mike’s Trophy, next Tuesday. They will face League Two side Port Vale away from home after losing their first clash against Manchester City U21s last month.

Mansfield Town have not been in action since 19 September, having rescheduled their League One games against Leyton Orient and Wigan Athletic due to international fixtures.

Nigel Clough provided a fitness update on his players during the team’s latest training session. He confirmed that Lucas Akins has picked up a hamstring injury while on international duty with Grenada.

Clough also gave updates on Baily Cargill and Tyler Roberts, who have made just three appearances between them in all competitions this season. Neither of them were involved in Stags’ latest training session.

“Baily is probably a couple of weeks away, he’s going to build up,” Clough told club media. “We’re hoping Tyler will train at the weekend with a view to play maybe half an hour at Port Vale on Tuesday night.”

Clough is also hopeful that returning loan signing George Abbott will make an appearance against Port Vale. The midfielder rejoined Stags over the summer but is only just starting training, having arrived at the One Call Stadium injured.

“He’s another one who will have to build up over the next few weeks or so,” Clough continued. “We’re hoping he will play 30 minutes against Port Vale but it’s brilliant to see him back with us. It’s the first week he’s been back with us.”

As for Jon Russell, he did not end up travelling with Jamaica despite being called up to the current international fixtures at the Concacaf Nations League. The midfielder featured in Stags’ training session this week after initially just taking on rehab work.

This is his first proper session back with the lads so touch wood he will be okay,” Clough said.