Cardiff City Rocked By Midfield Crisis

Cardiff City have been dealt a massive double blow to the central midfield area with the news that Seyi Olofinjana faces a spell on the sidelines with a knee problem, adding to the problems caused by Aaron Ramsey’s return to parent club Arsenal.

Together, those two have been exceptional and a key reason behind our current form. Any club in the world would miss a player of Ramsey’s quality, but Olofinjana has also been hugely influential in the Bluebirds engine room this season.

That leaves Dave Jones with a dilemma. A loan midfielder is a possibility, while he is yet to completely give up on an extension to Ramsey’s loan, albeit with a 24 hour recall clause certain to be included.

However, his current midfield options are sure to revolve around Stephen McPhail who provided a calming influence during the 2-0 win over Hull City. The only other player to have played regularly in the centre of midfield this season is Peter Whittingham. The two classy left-footers have the passing ability, but appear lightweight and vulnerable as a partnership.

Forgotten men Jason Koumas and Gavin Rae are possibilities but neither has the physical presence of Olofinjana and neither has much game time or form. Utility man Darcy Blake does provide some steel, but is inexperienced in the role and is also lacking match fitness.

Currently a Whittingham / McPhail combination looks the likely choice for Jones, especially as we play home next to Ipswich Town. A worthwhile alternative will be to utilise Whittingham, McPhail and A.N.Other in a midfield three with Blake or Rae looking to protect the Bluebirds back four. That formation leaves Chopra on the right wing, but the ploy worked against Hull City last weekend, with Chopra managing to get on the scoresheet.

All City fans will be hoping that Olofinjana returns to action shortly, and, that Aaron Ramsey might, somehow, be permitted to return.