FIT-AGAIN forward Perris Blackwell will miss tomorrow’s trip to Surrey Scorchers (7pm) as Worcester Wolves aim to get their star man in the best shape possible.

There were hopes the powerful American, who has been recovering from an ankle injury, would be back to face Surrey in the British Basketball League at the Sports Park, Guildford, after returning to training.

But head coach Paul James insisted it was “too soon” and said Blackwell, who has scored 233 points in 13 games this season, was now focused on helping his side progress in the BBL Trophy later this month.

“Perris is out shooting and doing some light running and jogging,” said the Wolves boss.

“But we don’t want to rush him back as it could put him out for a further amount of time, so once he is 100 per cent or close to it then we will get him back out there.

“The smart thing is to focus on January 9 when we play Bristol in the Trophy and if we can get him back then, that would be a huge boost for the team.”

Ben Eaves suffered a “freak” thumb injury the same week Blackwell rolled his ankle in training.

But James said they were unlikely to see the 6ft 7in forward in action until late February.

“In the middle of January, Ben goes back to see the hand specialist where he will hopefully get the cast taken off as well as the wires taken out,” he said.

“It will then be a matter of doing rehab, so we are probably looking at somewhere towards the end of February or beginning of March time.

“But the positive is the thumb he broke isn’t on his shooting hand, so he has been able to go out there and do some form of shooting and is able to work out as well.

“Fortunately, there have also been no complications as he has not had to be re-operated on, which was a real concern at one point, so everything is where it is supposed to be and it is healing nicely.”

Wolves beat Surrey 108-92 on Friday, December 18, and James said his players were in high spirits ahead of the return contest.

Worcester edged out London Lions 79-75 at a packed-out University of Worcester Arena last Sunday.

“To be six points down with a few minutes left and then score 10 unanswered points to win was absolutely fabulous,” James said.

“We kept believing and battling away, which was fantastic to see.

“Everybody was on their feet and clapping. I think it was probably one of the best atmospheres we have had in the arena this season.”