With the start of the League 1 season now just days away, head physio Simon Crampton brings us the latest on the race to be fit for the big kick-off . . .

As we approach the first game of the season this weekend, it's very pleasing to see the long-term injury list shortening by the day.

Drissa, Kev Gallen and Danny Swailes have all returned to training in the last week and are now working on their match fitness to make themselves available for selection . . .

Kevin Gallen (toe)

Kev started training with the first team at the end of last week and has felt no ill-effects of the minor surgery he underwent. We'll continue to integrate him into first team training over the next week.

He's started doing a lot of pre-season running work that most of the squad have already done with Ade. We just need to get his match fitness back up now and he'll be in contention to play.

Danny Swailes (Achilles)

We have turned to a few different treatments in the management of Swaz's Achilles condition. One was the dry needling which we've spoken about before, the other is GTN (Glyceryl Tri-Nitrate) patches. These patches were actually designed for people suffering with angina. We've used them to place on the Achilles region to enhance blood supply to this area and promote the healing response.

I've also sent Swaz to see a foot specialist on Harley Street in London, where a full bio-mechanical analysis was performed using state-of-the-art equipment. Using the results from this analysis, we've had some specialist orthotics made which he'll wear in his boots when he plays and trains. Again, this will help prevent the condition returning.

Danny also joined first team training at the end of last week and, as with Kev, has started the pre-season fitness work with Ade. It's been nice for both of them to spur each other on because the intensity of the work they are doing is extremely high.

As with Kev, we'll continue to integrate Swaz into first team training this week and once he reaches match fitness he'll be contending for a place in the team.

Sean O'Hanlon (back)

Sean was taken off at half-time during the Watford game as a precaution. He'd developed some lower back pain during the game and the muscles in that region had gone into spasm. For the remainder of the week, he eased off training and was in the treatment room every day and has done a lot of work with Matt the masseur.

He's responded well to treatment and is now ready to resume full training.

Jude Stirling (toe)

Jude has had an injury to his toe which he sustained during pre-season and has been undergoing treatment and rehabilitation for the last two weeks.

We're all pleased that he's now going to be returning to training, as the treatment room will now be a lot quieter. Although we will miss his frequent outbursts of MC lyrics!

Drissa Diallo (shoulder)

Drissa has returned to contact training in the last week. We will have a final meeting with the surgeon and, if we get the all clear, he'll be able available for selection.

He'll still come in for rehab once he gets the green light because we'll need to continue strengthening his shoulder in the next few months.