Speaking ahead of this Saturday's home clash with Macclesfield Town, Grimsby manager Michael Jolley delivered some positive news on the injury front, with some players likely to return earlier than expected.

In his pre-match press conference, Jolley told GrimsbyLive that Swedish central defender Ludvig Öhman, who limped off in the midweek defeat at Salford City, has suffered a groin strain rather than the hamstring injury that was first feared.

This is expected to put a shorter time scale on his recovery, with his manager suggesting he'll be "missing for a number of weeks" rather than the longer term recovery period required for a hamstring problem.

In addition to this, fellow defender Harry Davis - who suffered a dislocated shoulder a few weeks ago - is said to have "a small chance" of being fit for the Mariners Carabao Cup meeting with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge next week. Though the centre back will definitely miss this weekends visit of Macclesfield, his recovery is going well, with Jolley keeping his "fingers crossed (that Davis is) not too far away".

The news is sure to have delighted the Mariners boss as the games come thick and fast and he looks to keep his squad fresh.

The Verdict

Both Öhman and Davis have played a key role at certain times for the Mariners this season, though the emergence of youngster Mattie Pollock and the arrival of Luke Waterfall mean they have strength in depth in central defence and the current absence of the pair won't be felt too sharply.

It does mean, however, that with Öhman sidelined, Davis doubtful and Waterfall cup-tied, teenager Mattie Pollock is almost certain to start at the heart of the Mariners defence against Chelsea next week.