Bluebirds manager bemoans travel trouble
NEIL Warnock has confirmed Neil Etheridge will face at least two months on the sidelines after sustaining a grade three hamstring tear against Wigan on the opening day of the season.
Cardiff City’s number one was forced off midway through the second half of the clash at the DW Stadium, with his exit preceding two quick goals that would eventually set the hosts up for a thrilling victory.
Etheridge was replaced by Joe Day, who now appears set for a lengthy spell between the sticks following Warnock’s update on the Philippines international.
The manager, however, attributes some of the blame for Etheridge’s injury to the squad’s travel arrangements on Friday night.
“He’s just got to rehabilitate his leg,” Warnock said. “It’s a grade three tear. Looking back, one or two of the lads have got stiff hamstrings. We did seven hours on the bus on Friday and that won’t happen again.
“We left it a bit too late, we couldn’t get a flight, and we all know what the M6 and M5 is like on a Friday. We will try to eliminate that in the future – that can’t have helped.”
Warnock provided further updates on other City players who are propping up the injury list. Lee Tomlin this week was struck down by a nasty bout of stomach flu, while defender Matt Connolly is recovering from an operation he underwent earlier this summer.
“Lee Tomlin has been in bed all week with gastroenteritis, he’s not done a thing,” Warnock added.
“Matt Connolly had that bad blood disorder that put him back last year, that’s why he didn’t go to Hull. He actually had an operation on his ankle as well this summer, he won’t be available until October.
“Jazz (Richards) is probably a month away now after his pre-season injury. Etheridge we know is going to be a couple of months. (Sol) Bamba October, we know that. We’ve got one or two little things, you know, but that’s why you have a squad.”
Though Warnock’s injury list, and Bobby Reid’s departure to Fulham, may be cause for concern, the deadline-day additions of Isaac Vassell and Marlon Pack have certainly bolstered the manager’s options for today’s clash with Luton (3pm).
The Bluebirds are seeking their first win of the season in front of a home crowd, however Luton will prove stiff opposition following their 3-3 thriller with Middlesbrough in their opening fixture.