Madine ready for lift-off?
IT’S THE BIG KICK-OFF, AND STRIKE ACE GARY’S HOPING TO FINALLY MAKE AN IMPACT FOR BLUEBIRDS
CARDIFF City will be without new signing Robert Glatzel for the trip to Wigan Athletic today.
The German forward is one game into a two-match ban picked up in his native Germany, after being sent off while playing for former club Heidenheim on May 19.
It means Glatzel is now out of contention for making his Bluebirds debut until the home game with Luton Town on August 10.
His absence presents something of a dilemma for boss Neil Warnock, who withdrew Gary Madine as a precaution during the first half of City’s pre-season win over Nice last weekend.
It’s understood Madine is likely to be a part of Warnock’s matchday squad, and he could yet lead the line at the DW Stadium.
Should he not be fit, it could well open up the door for Omar Bogle, who’s been one of Cardiff’s brightest performers this summer, or even Danny Ward.
One man definitely out is Jazz Richards, with Warnock confirming the full-back is struggling with a knee injury and will be out for around three to four weeks.
Otherwise, there are no new injury concerns for the Yorkshireman, who will have been pleased to see Callum Paterson return to action this week.
The Scottish international missed most of the summer with an ankle injury but enjoyed a run-out for the Under-23s on Friday.
Lee Tomlin, Alex Smithies, Cameron Coxe, Greg Cunningham and Aaron Bolger also played, meaning they won’t be travelling to Lancashire this weekend.
New signings Gavin Whyte, Will Vaulks, Aden Flint and Curtis Nelson will all be vying for starts, while new goalkeeper Joe Day is likely to take his place on the bench behind Neil Etheridge.
Looking ahead to the new campaign, Warnock said: “This is my 40th year, so I think you’ve got to call it a day some time.
“I don’t think it would have been right to leave, as one or two people said in the press.
“I think it was right that we get the squad blended so it’s easier for a manager to come in with a settled squad.
“I think we’ve got a really good squad now and we’re going to give it a good go.
“If things didn’t work out, I’d probably leave before the end of the season. I’m sure we’d talk like that.
“I think at the minute, we’ve just got to concentrate on doing well.”
Predicted Cardiff City
XI: Etheridge; Peltier, Morrison, Nelson, Bennett; Ralls, Vaulks; Mendez-Laing, Reid, Murphy; Madine