Cardiff City head into this weekend’s meeting with the Imps with fresh injury concerns, as Brian Barry-Murphy deals with a number of fitness issues in his squad.
The Bluebirds currently sit one point ahead of us at the top of League One, and while many are looking down and hoping to see a gap open further, some (optimists, there are a few) are looking up and wondering if we might just win the titl
That sets up what promises to be a significant clash at the summit. Preparations for the fixture have been complicated by several injury concerns for the hosts, with two attackers already ruled out and others still facing late fitness tests.
Davies ruled out ahead of top-of-the-table clash
One player who will definitely miss the encounter is forward Isaak Davies, who is facing a spell on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring problem. The injury comes shortly after he had only just returned to action following a period out due to concussion protocols, adding to what has been a frustrating campaign for the Wales international.
Speaking ahead of the game, Barry-Murphy confirmed the extent of the issue and suggested the striker will be unavailable for the next few weeks.
“Isaak Davies is out with a hamstring issue.”
“So he will be out for between two and three weeks.”
Davies’ absence removes one attacking option for the Bluebirds as they prepare to host the Imps, with the forward now expected to miss several fixtures while he recovers.
Salech making a gradual return
Another missing attacker is Yousef Salech, who has returned to the club after a brief spell back in Denmark, although he is still some way from being considered for selection.
The forward has been sidelined with a neck ligament problem sustained last month, but he is now back around the first-team group and has begun some light physical work.
“Yousef Salech is back with us but he’s not in contention yet.”
“He has been back with us since Monday. He is starting to do some physical activity on the pitch, which is running, so we will just see how that goes.”
While Salech’s recovery is moving in the right direction, Barry-Murphy indicated that a return to competitive action will only come once the striker is able to rejoin full training with the rest of the squad.
“When he comes back with the team, we will know more about when he is likely to play.”
Late fitness calls for Kellyman and Lawlor
There are also concerns surrounding Omari Kellyman and Dylan Lawlor, both of whom are still being assessed ahead of the weekend. Kellyman was absent from Cardiff’s recent 4-0 victory against Doncaster Rovers after suffering a groin problem, while Lawlor was forced off late in that same game after scoring an eye-catching solo goal.
Barry-Murphy admitted neither player has trained fully this week and that the next 48 hours will determine whether they can feature against City.
“Omari Kellyman hasn’t trained this week, he is in a similar boat to Dylan Lawlor.”
“We will see how they are today and tomorrow.”
The Cardiff boss also explained that Kellyman had been struggling with the issue even before the Doncaster fixture, which ultimately led to the decision to leave him out of the squad.
“Omari had some stiffness in his groin before Doncaster and we just couldn’t risk him.”
“But we will see how he is today.”
With the two sides currently separated by just a single point at the top of the League One table, Cardiff will hope at least some of their doubtful players can recover in time for the visit of the Imps.
Whether Kellyman or Lawlor are fit enough to feature could prove significant in what is shaping up to be one of the defining matches of the promotion race.