Sheffield Eagles sweat on fitness of key pair ahead of London Broncos visit

Sheffield Eagles have major doubts over influential pair Matty James and Matty Fozard as director of rugby Mark Aston attempts to patch up his depleted squad.

The Eagles host London Broncos at the OLP tomorrow (3pm), before making the trip south for the return fixture the following weekend.

Aston must plug the gaps left by a catalogue of injuries, with skipper James and hooker Fozard the latest to be struck down after both picked up issues in the defeat to Halifax.

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“Matty James and Matty Fozard are really struggling so they might be out,” Aston confirmed. “It is all hands on deck and it is tough. We are missing some key players, so we are down to the last few men standing.”

Long term absentees Josh Toole and Simon Brown will again be sidelined, and both are also likely to miss the return game at the Trailfinders a week tomorrow.

Close season signing Daniel Igbinedion has also now left the club after the 23-year-old’s departure by mutual consent was confirmed.

The ex-Featherstone prop made just seven appearances for the Eagles.

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Aston continued: “Danny Igbinedion has now left the club. He has gone, he has been released by mutual consent because he really needs to play which is what the game is about. He wasn’t consistently getting into our team, so he needs to go out and play.”

The Eagles coach must decide on whether to give a debut to new signing Thibault Franck who arrived on a one month loan deal from Super League side Hull Kingston Rovers.

Aston could be set for some positive news with winger Adam Swift set to be made available again by Super League dual-registration partners St Helens, whilst the likes of Matty Costello, Jake Spedding and Jack Ashworth should all be involved.

“Adam Swift is in the Saints squad for Saturday but if he doesn’t play then he could be made available for us,” Aston confirmed.

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“We are hopeful of getting the same four lads who can come here and get some game time. Jake Spedding will be better after getting his first game in six weeks, whilst Jack Ashworth and Matty Costello have been with us for quite a while now.”

London arrive in the Steel City looking to maintain their top four challenge, with the chance to pull two points clear of fifth placed Leigh with victory over the Eagles.