High hopes over Gus and Kasey ahead of final
COVENTRY City were back on the grass at Ryton today as their preparation for Saturday’s big Championship play-off final at Wembley got underway.
Mark Robins gave his Sky Blues players a long weekend to relax and replenish their energy levels after Wednesday night’s semifinal heroics at Middlesbrough.
Gustavo Hamer scored his stunning match winner despite carrying a knee injury which he picked up in the first leg at the CBS Arena, and for which he required a late fitness test. Elsewhere, back-up striker Tyler Walker sat out his second consecutive matchday squad during the 1-0 win at the Riverside, having also been sidelined during the first leg.
But there was a glimmer of hope from fans that Kasey Palmer might be involved in some small part in the play-offs after making a return to training last week.
Here’s the latest injury news from the Sky Blues camp...
GUSTAVO HAMER Injury: knee What we know:
The brilliant midfielder suffered a “nasty whack” to his knee in the goalless first leg draw with Middlesbrough, which made him a slight doubt for the second leg. However, he received a pain killing injection before kick-off to enable him to get through the full 90 minutes.
What’s been said: Robins gushed: “He was phenomenal and I am surprised he didn’t faint because he had an injection in his knee before the game to enable him to play and I don’t know what was worse for him, the injury or the needle going in.”
And the player was all smiles on Monday morning when he reported for training with his team-mates, seemingly fit and ready for a week’s work.
TYLER WALKER Injury: unspecified What we know:
The Sky Blues third choice striker was last seen on the bench against Boro in the final league game of the regular season, when he travelled to the Riverside but was an unused substitute. He then sat out backto-back play-off semi-finals and required a scan, the results and nature of which have not been disclosed by the manager.
What’s been said: Robins was asked again after the second leg but couldn’t be more specific about the nature or location of Walker’s injury.
KASEY PALMER Injury: Hamstring tear
What we know: The in-form play-maker pulled up holding his hamstring early in the second half against Sunderland, forcing him to limp off.
What’s been said: Although the initial prognosis was that he wouldn’t be available again until next season, Palmer’s appearance in full training early last week sparked excitement. He did travel to Teesside for the second leg but wasn’t in the matchday 18. However, he was back in training this week and, with another week of work in his legs, supporters will wonder if he has a chance of featuring in the final.