Squad looks in good shape for Cardiff clash

one of which was enforced due to the suspension of central defender Christopher Schindler who was sent off in the Premier League clash with Burnley.

The popular German was back with the main Town training group yesterday – the second boost – and is expected to be ready to return against Neil Warnock’s side in South Wales.

Also in training were Terence Kongolo, Philip Billing, Flo Hadergjonaj and Jonas Lossl, who were all unused substitutes in the match against Bristol City, where goal- keeper Ryan Schofield and Elite Development right-back Demeaco Duhaney both travelled.

Collin Quaner was left out of the 19 due to his impending loan move to Ipswich Town.

Town are also hoping club captain Tommy Smith will be able to rejoin the full training group at some stage this week.

If not, the dependable and versatile 26-year-old defender seems certain to return at PPG Canalside after the Cardiff game.

Aaron Mooy, who has started straight-line running, is still looking towards the end of the month for a return from his medial knee ligament injury.

Midfielder Danny Williams is not now expected back until around March time, while Abdelhamid Sabiri is also back and getting mobile following shoulder surgery.

“Aaron is in between the time frame which we expected,” said the boss of Mooy before the weekend.

“He was on the grass yesterday (Thursday) for the first time but without the ball – making some linear direction runs.

“This is where he is at the minute. “I haven’t spoken in detail with our medical department about him, but if he was only a few days away from coming back into the firstteam training I would be aware about it.

“This means, for me, he needs some further days.”

On the others, Wagner added at the time: “Hamid (Sabiri) is on the grass without the ball, improving his fitness on the grass and trying to get his fitness back. “If everything goes to plan he will have another X-ray after the Cardiff game, and hopefully he can join the training group after the Cardiff game.

“Tommy Smith could maybe join the training group shortly before the Cardiff game, and hopefully if all goes well he can train in the week after the Cardiff game.

“Danny Williams is in his rehab phase, he will take as long as we said, probably until March.”

Tommy Smith could maybe join the training group shortly before the

Cardiff game