BRENTFORD are hopeful Sam Saunders will be fit to return in next week's league game against Carlisle United.

The former Dagenham & Redbridge flyer picked up an ankle injury in Saturday's victory against Charlton, which left him on crutches wearing a protective boot.

The setback kept him out of last night's defeat to Huddersfield, but boss Nicky Forster expects him to begin light training later this week.

Saunders is using an oxygen chamber to speed up recovery but won't be fit for Saturday's clash against Leyton Orient.

However, Forster hopes to have him available for JPT final warm-up with the Cumbrians the following Friday.

He said: "It's not too bad. He had strapping at half-time against Charlton then came off early in the second-half.

"But it was more precautionary as we didn't want him to be struggling long-term.

"Saturday's probably doubtful, but he will start running towards the end of the week."

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