Cardiff Sweat On Scimeca Fitness

Cardiff City’s inspirational midfielder Riccardo Scimeca is struggling to be fit for this weekend’s crunch game against Sunderland.

The 31 year old has not trained fully since aggravating a groin problem. He was due to play through the injury against Derby but was forced out at late notice amid fears he could miss the rest of the season if the injury worsened.

After nearly 2 weeks of intensive work with the physios, Scimeca is touch-and-go for the game. His match fitness will be down, but such is the ex-West Brom man’s importance and influence – he will play if fit.

The midfield pairing of McPhail / Scimeca has been integral to Cardiff’s play and the two compliment each other well.Scimeca provides the solid defensive platform and breaks up opponents moves while he has also contributed with 5 goals this season.

Should Scimeca not be fit, Dave Jones has several options:

Simon Walton is the obvious like-for-like swap, the on-loan Charlton player has looked poor against Derby and Leeds (first half especially).

Joe Ledley, Willo Flood or Kevin McNaughton could also fill in in central midfield.