Cardiff City travel to face Leeds United with the majority of the squad fully fit and ready to go. Other first team squad members are also returning to full fitness giving Dave Jones further options to keep his line-up fresh.
Craig Bellamy is expected to play, despite 65 minutes against Coventry City last time out. His knee problem is OK at present, but Dave Jones will ask the striker’s assessment before finalising his starting XI. There is a doubt over striker Jay Bothroyd who suffered a cut foot in the win over Coventry, however, he looks likely to start the game after resting over the weekend.
Stephen McPhail is pushing for a recall after returning after a knee injury while Dardcy Blake returned to the subs bench after suspension last week and wiull be desperate to force his way back into the starting XI, either in central defence, right-back or in midfield.
Paul Quinn (knee), Danny Drinkwater (thigh) and Chris Riggott (match practice) are all ruled out, but are not far from a return and availability.
Teenage full-back Adam Matthews is not available through International duty as he captains Wales U19s this evening.
Leeds United so have some injury concerns themselves and will be without first choice goalkeeper and former Bluebird Kasper Schmeichel(foot injury). His place will go to the experienced Jason Brown, or highly rated Spurs loanee Ben Alnwick, given that regular deputy Shane Higgs is also out with hamstring problems.
Another former Cardiff City player is facing a late fitness test with striker Ross McCormack hoping to return after his own hamstring injury. Hopwever, the game may come just too early for the pacy Scottish attacker though a place on the subs bench remains a possibility.
Howefver, Simon Grayson has been boosted by the likes of Paul Connolly, Lloyd Sam, Fede Bessone (formerly of Swansea City), Aidy White and Leigh Bromby – all of whom have returned to fitness and contention over the past 2 weeks. With full training behind them, the Whites will be hoping they are back to full fitness and match sharpness.
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