Western Mail

Manga set for a surprise return

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BRUNO Manga is in line to return to Cardiff City’s squad this weekend — just eight weeks after doctors claimed his season was over.

The 28-year-old suffered knee ligament damage while playing for his country in January’s Africa Cup Of Nations, with the initial prognosis stating he would miss six months of action.

Even Neil Warnock admitted he was “fearing the worst” when Manga returned to Cardiff with the serious injury.

With the £4m signing out-of-contract this summer, it seemed the former player of the year would see out the end of his Bluebirds career on the sidelines.

He last played in a competitiv­e game during Gabon’s 0-0 draw with Cameroon that sent the home nation crashing out of the tournament on January 22.

But Warnock revealed Manga is set for a surprise return to the Bluebirds matchday squad of 18 to face Ipswich Town this weekend thanks to the hard graft of the club’s medical department.

“Manga trained well, he might be able to go on the bench I hope, we’ll find out today,” confirmed the Cardiff City boss at his pre-match press conference.

“They told us when we initially saw him he would be out six months, his season was finished — but we looked at him and he didn’t look as bad.

“Our scan showed certain things and he’s worked hard at his rehab and all credit to the medical department.”

Warnock has admitted he will wait for discussion­s over next season’s wage budget before any potential new contract talks with Manga, though it is expected the high-earner would have to take a drop in salary if he is to stay in south Wales.

Warnock remained concern about other injuries however, with Lee Peltier, Rickie Lambert and Rhys Healey all long-term absentees and others like Aron Gunnarsson fighting for full match fitness.

“We’ll have a starting XI,” added Warnock.

“We’re thin on the ground and we’ve had some disappoint­ments this week. I’m not sure this week. There’s a couple doubtful.”

 ??  ?? > Neil Warnock has garnered a host of knowledge from 37 years in the manager’s hotseat
> Neil Warnock has garnered a host of knowledge from 37 years in the manager’s hotseat

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