Gunnarsson’s back to give City a timely
NEIL Warnock has revealed Aron Gunnarsson is in contention to return for Cardiff City in their Championship clash with Brentford this afternoon.
But star striker Kenneth Zohore once again looks set to miss out due to injury, meaning Danny Ward is set to lead the line against Dean Smith’s side in the absence of suspended forward Omar Bogle.
Gunnarsson has not played for the Bluebirds since being forced off the pitch in the 1-0 defeat to Birmingham at St Andrew’s more than a month ago, but came on in the 79th minute of Iceland’s 1-1 draw with Qatar during the international break.
And Warnock says Gunnarsson is in line to face the Bees in the Welsh capital as Cardiff look to preserve their unbeaten home record in the league.
“We talked with him (Gunnarsson) all the time,” said Warnock.
“He wasn’t fit enough for the first game. I didn’t mind him going over there as he had a fitness plan, he felt he wasn’t ready for the first so wasn’t involved, then he stepped up a little bit and got 10 minutes in second game, and he trained yesterday (Thursday).
“We’ll assess him and it’s good to have him back in contention with three games in a week.
“Ken’s had good days and bad days. We’ve seen another specialist this week and we’re waiting to see what reaction he has to an injection.
“It’s only scar tissue, but some people can get through it but it depends on your pain threshold. I understand it. He’s got to push through it to get fit or we’ve got look at how we can get rid of the scar tissue.
“Last Saturday he said he would be okay then Monday he been very up and down.
“We’ve had another opinion to make sure and it’s come back the same to how we’ve been treating, it’s not like we’ve made a mistake, it’s how we’re going to eliminate the pain barrier thing.
“Bogle being suspended doesn’t help. It sums up how it’s gone injurywise.
“To lose (Nathaniel) Mendez-Laing in first few minutes at Bristol was difficult with the others.”
Bogle will serve the first of a threegame suspension against Brentford following his dismissal in the 2-1 defeat to Severnside rivals Bristol City at Ashton Gate in the final game before the international break. felt bad. It’s
And full-back Lee Peltier is also out of contention after collecting his fifth booking of the season in the loss to Lee Johnson’s side.
But Warnock has been boosted by the return of Joe Bennett who is set to start at left-back against Brentford after recovering from the calf problem he sustained in the 0-0 draw with Millwall in October.
“Bennett is back fit which is a good plus, so he tells me anyway, on Twitter,” added Warnock.
“It’s testing times for us with injuries, but I used to worry when I was a younger manager but I don’t know. I just get on with it.
“The fans are always good and they will help. It’s a good period. We have to hang in there and get these lads fit. I don’t think there’s any doubt of character.
“We wouldn’t be where we are now without it. It’s OK when it’s one or two out, but it’s difficult with seven out and the seven lads missing could all probably be the in the team.
“We’re hoping we can get them back into the team as quick as possible. It’ll be like seven new signings and that’s why we have to hang in there.