Alex John-Baptiste could make a long-awaited return from injury for Mansfield's crucial home clash against Rochdale on Saturday afternoon.The defender has been sidelined with a troublesome back problem and last played in the derby defeat at Chesterfield on December 22.

Stags boss Billy Dearden said: "He played 65 minutes for the reserves in midweek and came out of the match with no real problems, so he has a good chance of being in the squad.

"I won't risk him if he is not 100%. He is still lacking match practise but he is naturally fit, which is a plus.

"He has had over two months off so it may be a big ask to throw him straight into the line up, but we will just have to wait and see."

Midfielder Stephen Dawson is also fit again after missing the last two matches through illness.

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