Cardiff City Hopeful On Ralls Injury

Cardiff City's young midfielder Joe Ralls was forced from the pitch during the 3-2 defeat by Middlesborough on Saturday and looked in severe discomfort after turning his knee. However, following a couple of days rest and some preliminary tests - the injury does not look serious and he is expected to return to action shortly.

Ralls will hope to be available for the trip to face Watford on Boxing Day, having kept his place ahead of Slovakian loanee Filip Kiss for the Boro clash. Don Cowie was also withdrawn through injury and with Steve McPhail sidelined with illness, the Bluebirds are short of midfielders to make up the 5-man unit that has served us so well.

Joe Mason looks likely to deputise for Cowie, offering some ball-carrying ability on the right but less central cover and defensive strength.

Ralls recovery would be a welcome boost and offer a useful alternative depending on fitness with only Darcy Blake as a possible alternative should we face further absentees.

e will be monitored over the week, with a view to a fitness test ahead of the Boxing Day clash.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.