Notts County hope Kane Hemmings will be fit enough to face Grimsby this weekend as the Magpies look for a vital win in their survival fight.
The top scorer missed Easter Monday’s 1-1 draw at Crawley because of a knee problem and had been considered a doubt for the visit of the Mariners.
But the former Mansfield forward, who has scored 13 goals this season, has trained this week, as has defender Sam Stubbs, who has had a groin problem.
The news comes as a boost to Notts who need two wins from their last two games to have any hope of retaining their Football League status.
Magpies boss Neal Ardley is hopeful there will be no setbacks for either player with options at centre-back already a problem especially with Ben Barclay suspended.
“Kane has trained and always nervously say it, but hopefully he is back in contention,” he said.
“We’ve lost Ben for the game as he is suspended while Sam Stubbs has played with his groin heavily strapped up.
“He has managed to get through training so fingers crossed that all looks positive.”
Notts had thought about drafting Elliott Ward into the squad, but the defender is unavailable for selection due to a wrangle with his contract.
Jon Stead ashamed of Notts County's season and is determined not to let it end in heartbreak
Ward would trigger a year’s extension to his current deal if he plays one more game, but the club are not keen on committing to that clause given they are in the midst of a takeover.
Having had discussions with the club this week, Ardley said Ward would have to drop that clause to be able to play but confirmed on Thursday he won’t be included in the squad.
