Dover Athletic boss Andy Hessenthaler hoping to welcome injured troops back ahead of double-header in National League South

Dover are hoping to welcome some of their injured troops back soon.

Defender Tyrone Sterling was added to an injury list that has included 40-year-old keeper Stuart Nelson, George Wilkinson and striker Reece Grant in recent weeks for Saturday’s 4-2 defeat at Havant.

Ex-Gillingham keeper Nelson, who was named on the bench at the weekend, was due to play in a friendly against Bromley yesterday (Tuesday) before Dover manager Andy Hessenthaler made a decision on whether to recall him or stick with on-loan Millwall stopper Ryan Sandford, who has two matches left on his initial one-month loan.

“That’s the best thing about training three mornings a week,” said Hessenthaler.

“If he comes through the Bromley match, he will be in contention for the weekend.

“Ryan has got two more games but I will see what Nels is like and we will go from there.”

Sterling missed the defeat at Havant, with Jake Goodman coming in for his first start this season, but Sterling's injury is not thought to be a serious one.

Hessenthaler said: “He has a slight hamstring problem that we could not risk unfortunately.

“It’s certainly not a bad one. Talking to him, he was about 80% fit but, at this stage of the season, I decided not to take that risk.

“I would say he has got a chance for the weekend.”

Midfielder Wilkinson and summer recruit Grant also are closing in on a return to fitness.

“Hopefully we will get a few back and hopefully we don’t pick up any injuries on Saturday,” said Hessenthaler, whose team welcome Hemel Hempstead to Crabble this weekend before travelling to Ebbsfleet on Bank Holiday Monday.

“We have got two games over a short period of time so we’ll need everyone available.”

The Havant defeat was the second straight loss for Dover, who went