Updated 10.44 | Published 10.43
This week, Leksand finally got back key defender Matt Caito.
Then the team suffered another injury blow to striker Carter Ashton.
There was no word on the 32-year-old Canadian’s return until around Christmas due to an upper-body injury.
Leksand suffered injuries and suspensions of key players throughout the fall.
After four consecutive defeats, the team occupies twelfth place in the table, leaving only three points behind the crisis-hit Oskarshamn and HV71 teams.
In the second half at home to Timra on Saturday night, Carter Ashton lost the cut and came to the bench.
He grabbed his wrist grimly and had to leave the game.
The top full-back makes his first appearance of the season
After investigations, it is now clear that he will be out for two months.
– Carter Ashton has suffered an upper-body injury which means he is unavailable for matches until around Christmas, says physiotherapist Emilia Bachman.
However, Matt Caito returned to action this week after undergoing pre-season shoulder surgery.
The hardest week imaginable
The list of absentees also includes former trio Martin Karlsson, Justin Close and John Knotts.
-All three players are following their rehabilitation plan. As for Martin Karlsson, there is nothing new to say and we expect him to return to full training at the beginning of the year. Justin Kloss is currently training individually on the ice and will soon be ready for full training with the team. We expect he will have about three more weeks to be ready for the match. Emilia Backman says John Knuts is also training individually on the ice and is close to full training with the team.
This week Leksand will have a tough round in Norrland against top teams Luleå on Thursday evening and Skellefteø on Saturday evening.
