Dan Jones in the best shape Harrogate Town boss has 'ever seen him' as he closes in on return from injury

Harrogate Town left-back Dan Jones is in "the best shape" manager Simon Weaver has "ever seen him" as he closes in on a return to action.
Dan Jones celebrates with team-mate Mark Beck following Harrogate Town's 1-0 win at Mansfield Town on November 24. The on-loan left-back has not played since. Pictures: Matt KirkhamDan Jones celebrates with team-mate Mark Beck following Harrogate Town's 1-0 win at Mansfield Town on November 24. The on-loan left-back has not played since. Pictures: Matt Kirkham
Dan Jones celebrates with team-mate Mark Beck following Harrogate Town's 1-0 win at Mansfield Town on November 24. The on-loan left-back has not played since. Pictures: Matt Kirkham

The 26-year-old, who is on a season-long loan at Wetherby Road from Salford City, has not played since late November having severely damaged his groin in training.

Jones suffered avulsion fractures to several of his adductor muscles, which means that tendon was pulled away from the bone in his groin, leaving him requiring surgery.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It was initially predicted that he would not be able to play again until the end of February, but having progressed so well in terms of his rehabilitation, Jones was able to join in with group training this week.

Town boss Simon Weaver has been impressed by the speed of Dan Jones' recovery.Town boss Simon Weaver has been impressed by the speed of Dan Jones' recovery.
Town boss Simon Weaver has been impressed by the speed of Dan Jones' recovery.

And Weaver, who says Jones has come back in peak physical condition, is hopeful that his left-back will be available for selection again slightly ahead of schedule.

"Dan Jones might only be about a week away now, he has been training really well," the Harrogate boss said, speaking on Wednesday.

"He's worked so hard to get himself back from what was a nasty injury quicker than we initially expected.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"He's been going through the gears big time. He looks fitter than ever, he's in the best shape I've ever seen him.

"Dan has shown real progress and it's been pleasing for me to see."

Jones injured his groin shortly after Town's victory at Mansfield on November 24, and having started five of the club's previous six matches he certainly seemed to be benefiting from getting a run of games under his belt.

And his pre-Christmas form certainly suggest that his return will leave boss Weaver with another selection dilemma.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Dan was just starting to hit his stride when he picked up the injury in November," Town's manager added.

"He was looking really, really good for us at left-back, so what happened was such a shame. Both for him and for us.

"It will be great to have him back in contention and have that natural left-footer as the option in that full-back position.

"It's going to provide me with another headache, but competition for places is what we want, so it's a good headache to have."