lead to Leeds
January business all done, is Bennett’s place under the most threat after Traore’s arrival?
JOE Bennett’s position at Cardiff City’s first choice left-back appears under threat after the arrival of Armand Traore and the fall-out from that tackle against Manchester City.
Neil Warnock has long wanted a leftback to apply pressure on Bennett and finally landed his man with Traore signing on a free transfer from Nottingham Forest on deadline day.
Although the club the await official confirmation of Traore, who worked with Warnock at Queens Park Rangers and agreed to cancel his contract at the City Ground on deadline day, the Senegalese international has been training with the first-team squad.
Traore could feature against Leeds United this weekend with Bennett ruled out due to suspension after his tackles on City’s Leroy Sane and Brahim Diaz.
After admitting the Traore deal came as a “surprise” on the final day of January Warnock explained why he has brought the 28-year-old to South Wales.
“I only wanted two. but Traore became available,” he said.
“I know Armand from QPR and always kept in touch with him, and until the end of the season we can’t lose on that deal.
“We’re having confirmation about Traore, (Jamie) Ward is through and Traore is training with us today.
“I was there, so I know we did it before 11pm because I was there, but it’s good to have him until the end of the season.
“I like Armand. When he’s got something to prove, he’s a good player.”
Warnock then revealed his anger with Bennett over the Sane challenge had not yet subsided.
The former Middlesbrough and Aston Villa star will therefore be training in isolation this week as his teammates lock horns with play-off rivals Leeds.
Bennett has proven something of a fan favourite at Cardiff since his popular decision to reject an approach from Fulham in the summer.
Yet the arrival of Traore and Warnock’s disappointment could scupper Bennett’s chances of holding onto the left-back berth.
“I’ve not spoke to him (Bennett) if I’m honest,” added Warnock.
“I’m disappointed in him really. He didn’t need to make the first tackle and the second one, in the 92nd minute to get a yellow card was unprofessional I thought.
“It was a ridiculous booking so what else can you expect?
“He’ll be training Saturday and Sunday if you want to come and watch him, 11 o’clock until 1.30, anybody’s welcome!”
So, who will play left-back against Leeds? Definitely not Bennett, he’s suspended for one match.
But with Traore only just joining up with the squad it could be Jazz Richards who moves across to fill the position.
The Welsh international has shown some good form since returning from injury. With Lee Peltier and Matthew Connolly both still sidelined, Bruno Manga or Callum Paterson will fill in right-back if Richards plays on the left.