Harrogate Town have received a boost with attacking midfielder Will McGowan close to a first-team return, but a trio of key players remain sidelined for the long term. Manager Simon Weaver is hopeful the 24-year-old could play some part in Saturday's FA Cup first-round tie against AFC Fylde.

McGowan has missed the last two matches with a glute issue and is due to rejoin training on Thursday. He has contributed three goals and three assists in 16 league and cup appearances this season, making his potential availability a welcome lift for a squad sitting second in the National League with 32 points from 16 games, having recorded ten wins, two draws, and four losses. The team has scored 34 goals and conceded 23 this season, giving them a goal difference of plus eleven.

Long-term absentees

Weaver's options remain severely limited elsewhere. Experienced centre-half Tom Lees, who joined the club in July, has yet to make his debut after suffering an ankle injury and a subsequent hamstring tear. He is not expected back until January.

Influential midfielder Bryn Morris has been out since early August after aggravating a knee problem at Wealdstone. Complications including infection and fluid buildup have extended his recovery, with a return now anticipated at the end of December.

Summer signing Bailey Hobson, who joined from Chesterfield and has scored five goals, broke his metatarsal in the last week of October. The midfielder has undergone successful surgery on his foot and is also expected back in January.

Defender Grant Horton is working his way back from a hamstring injury and his return is expected within weeks, offering some relief.

Cup hopes amid strong league form

The injury news comes as Harrogate prepare for the FA Cup and aim to maintain their strong league position. Their recent form reads DLWWD, with a 2-2 draw at Forest Green Rovers last time out. Their last five games have yielded two wins, two draws, and one defeat. They face a tough league test next, hosting seventh-placed Altrincham on Saturday 14 November.

Weaver will be eager to have McGowan available to bolster his attacking options for the cup clash. The club's depth will be tested as they manage a busy schedule while aiming to close a twelve-point gap to league leaders Boreham Wood. Harrogate's immediate focus is on handling past AFC Fylde and advancing in the competition.

The original report is at wetherbynews.co.uk