Covid-19 after-effects mean Ryan Fallowfield remains a doubt for Harrogate Town's trip to Crawley Town

Ryan Fallowfield remains a doubt for Harrogate Town’s League Two trip to Crawley this Saturday.
Harrogate Town right-back Ryan Fallowfield. Pictures: Matt KirkhamHarrogate Town right-back Ryan Fallowfield. Pictures: Matt Kirkham
Harrogate Town right-back Ryan Fallowfield. Pictures: Matt Kirkham

The 25-year-old right-back has missed the Sulphurites’ last three matches as he struggles to shake off the after-effects of Covid-19.

Fallowfield was one of three Town players to test positive for the virus in early January, meaning that he missed last month’s 2-1 defeat at Cambridge United.

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But, unlike fellow Covid victims Aaron Martin and Brendan Kiernan, who were largely unaffected, the ex-Hull City man has been hit hard.

Town boss Simon Weaver.Town boss Simon Weaver.
Town boss Simon Weaver.

While Martin and Kiernan immediately returned to Simon Weaver’s starting line-up for Harrogate’s goalless draw with Exeter City on January 19, Fallowfield was only deemed fit enough for a place on the bench.

He was forced into action late on in that game, but admitted afterwards that he struggled due to shortness of breath.

He has subsequently not been involved in Town’s clashes with Salford City, Tranmere Rovers and Newport County as he attempts to work his way back to full fitness, and Weaver is still unsure as to whether the long-serving defender will be able to play any part against the Red Devils this weekend.

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“Ryan is still suffering with episodes of tiredness after training,” the Harrogate chief said.

“He has been training hard and is working his way back to his normal lung-busting level of fitness.

“He’s getting there, but his lung-capacity isn’t quite what it was and he’s been feeling it on a night after he has exerted himself.

“He doesn’t feel himself that he is quite right or back to 100 per cent just yet, which is why he hasn’t been involved in the last few games.

“It’s too early to say whether he will be okay for Saturday. We’ll have to assess things after training on Thursday and make a decision then.”