Nigel Adkins has revealed that four members of his Sheffield United squad are nearing a return to action.
The Blades' start to the League One season has been hit by injury problems, with Ryan Flynn, Craig Alcock, Terry Kennedy and Harrison McGahey all missing out.
There has been a positive development in recent days, however, and Adkins expects to see his side's injury woes ease after each player undergoes their own 'pre-season programme'.
"I was really pleased because we were able to play 11 versus 11 with the Under-21s and the likes of Flynn, Alcock, Kennedy and McGahey - who have been out for a long time - they have participated," he is quoted as saying by the Sheffield Telegraph.
"All being well, they are over the injury situation, and we just need to build their fitness levels. It's now like that first part of pre-season. The recovery is different for each one. It's unrealistic to figure they will play at the weekend, for example.
"But it's great that we have them out on the training ground. When you start pre-season, you normally look for a good six, seven weeks before you are up to speed."
United, who have six points to their name after three games of the season, play host to Blackpool this weekend.
