Michael Skubala has confirmed Ivan Varfolomeev will be in contention for the weekend’s trip to Stevenage, after he missed out last weekend.
City beat Orient 2-1 at the Bank on Saturday, with Varfolomeev named in the team. However, he pulled out in the warm-up, replaced by Tom Bayliss, who had a solid outing.
With a slowly-growing injury list, including Adam Reach and Freddie Draper, fans were fearful or title push might be derailed by the loss of the Ukrainian Under 21 international.
However, he has now confirmed our club-record signing will be available for selection. Speaking to BBC Radio Lincolnshire’s Rob Makepeace, he outlined what the current situation was.
“Good news, he’s been back in training today. It’s nowhere near what we thought it could be,” said
Fans were expecting to see him against Orient, and his being replaced slipped by a couple of people as the game kicked off. Tom Bayliss, a starting midfielder in August, did a fine job stepping in, but Ivan has built up a popular following, and Michael explained his absence was merely about not taking risks.
“It was just a bit of a reaction to the warmup, but like always, we don’t want to take any risks with any players at the moment.
“Great news, he’s back in contention for Saturday.”
When asked if we might see Josh Honohan or Freddie Draper before the end of the season, Michael underlined the intention not to take risks with players who might be touch and go.
“They’re on the way back, but for me it’s about not taking risks,” he added. “We don’t want to lose anyone ahead of pre-season, or for next season.
“They’re all in a good place, and whether they make one or maybe two of the games will depend on the medical team and where they feel they are. So, we’ll see with that one.”
City travel to Stevenage knowing that a win would secure the League One title. A draw could be enough if Cardiff City fail to beat Reading, but it could still go to the midweek game at Doncaster. Cardiff have a tricky game against Reading, but then play Northampton (relegated) and Port Vale (sure to be relegated) with Mansfield on the final day.
We need three points on Saturday to be 100% sure of the title, as long as Cardiff keep winning.
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