Neal Ardley offered encouraging injury updates on midfielder Jim O’Brien and Jon Stead as they battle to be fit for Saturday’s clash against Exeter.
The pair missed the goalless draw against Morecambe last weekend, with O’Brien nursing a gash in his calf while Stead had a slight thigh problem.
But O’Brien was due to have his stitches out today, which was the result of a poor challenge from Carlisle midfielder Jamie Devitt in Notts’ 3-1 win last Tuesday.
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Stead has trained and is in contention for a recall to the team as the Magpies look for a crucial victory in their fight for survival at the foot of the League Two table.
Ardley hopes both players will be available as Notts look to celebrate the 125th anniversary of winning the FA Cup in style.
“We are hoping Jim will be training on Friday,” he said.
“He’s had the stitches out and been doing some running work.
“We will know more on Friday. Jon Stead has trained and is back in contention.
“We’re in a better place than we perhaps were for the Carlisle and Morecambe games last week.”
Definite absentees for Notts will be Elliott Hewitt, who has a knee injury, while Andy Kellett is also still absent due to an issue with his knee that he suffered during a reserve game.
