Ralls could have played last game for Bluebirds
Out-of-contract midfielder won’t line up again this term after injury
JOE Ralls might have played his final game for Cardiff City, with the out-of-contract midfielder having been ruled out for the rest of the season.
The midfielder has struggled with injuries this season, the latest of which, a side strain, kept him out of the Easter games against Hull City and Luton Town. However, he was substituted at half-time against Sheffield United up at Bramall Lane at the weekend after complaining of a tight groin.
It was hoped he might be back to face Middlesbrough at the Riverside tonight, however manager Steve Morison has confirmed the player is out for the final three games of the campaign.
“Rallsy is definitely out, he won’t play again this year,” Morison said. “We are so close to the end of the season, anything over 10 days and that’s it. It’s the same with Isaak [Davies], he might be all right for Birmingham, he might not. It’d just be a couple of weeks, a couple of long journeys, you just get the niggles.” The Western Mail understands that Cardiff are still in talks with Ralls over signing a new contract and that things on that front are certainly not a foregone conclusion as things stand. It is well documented that Cardiff are trying to cut their wage bill this summer and any new contract negotiation will likely involve trimming down outgoings.
However, Morison once again said that, although he revealed Alex Smithies will not be at the club next term, he will not divulge any other contract decisions until the retained list is released.
“Decisions have been made, whether Joe is on that list or not, you guys will find out then,” he added. “There’s not a lot I can say. Even if it was a roundabout way I’m not going to give you anything on his contract.”
Meanwhile, Uche Ikpeazu is ineligible to play against his parent club tonight, while Davies is also missing. Defender Cody Drameh, who also went off against Sheffield United at the break, will be assessed ahead of the game.