AFC Telford's Jack Rea still training alone in bid to overcome injury

Rea, aged 25, has been out with the injury since mid-August and recently had a steroid injection in his ankle to help with his rehabilitation.

It was done to avoid an operation and while Edwards insists he is progressing well, it is unlikely that he will play before the end of the year.

"We still can't put a time scale on it," said the Bucks chief.

"We are taking our time with it as we want to make sure that when he does come back, he stays back. We're not rushing anything.

"He is progressing really well and we hope to have him back in the frame soon but, as I say, we can't put a specific time frame on it.

"We are not putting any pressure on him. He's not with the rest of the group yet, he's still training on his own."

Since picking up the injury in a 1-0 win at Darlington, Rea has had multiple scans, seen specialists and been monitored closely by Telford physio Jake Roe – and Wolves' head of medical Phil Hayward.

A former Telford skipper, he has made just three appearances for them this season.

He is their longest-serving current played, having signed in January 2015 from Bradford Park Avenue.

Rea recently stated his injury has been 'really frustrating as all I want to do is be back out there'.

Meanwhile, the club remain open to allowing fellow midfielder Louis McGrory out on loan.

The 20-year-old has not played for the Bucks since coming on for the last quarter of an hour against Southport on October 28.

He has been used sparsely by Edwards since signing at the end of August, making just seven appearances and failing to score.

McGrory is formerly of Forest Green Rovers and had a spell on trial at League Two side Newport County during the summer.

On if he is close to a temporary move away, Edwards said: "Not at the moment. He has been training really, really well.

"And while he is with us, he is right in the mix.

"At the same time, I'm conscious he hasn't played a lot of football recently."