Key Injury Blows For Cardiff City

Cardiff City face an anxious wait over the fitness of two of our more experienced and influential players with both Craig Bellamy and Tommy Smith being withdrawn following injuries last night.

Bellamy has only just returned to action following a knee injury, but looked off colour and lasted only 45 minutes. Word after the game was that CB39 suffered pains in his ankle and will be assessed today to ascertain the cause.

Tommy Smith was lively at times last night, trying to add more directness to our attacks but he was left to hobble feebly back to the dugout after pulling up while chassing a long ball into the corner. He was clearly in agony, and not helped by his team-mates who were nowhere to be seen after Smith gathered possession. He eventually passed to Connelly before collapsing off the field. It looked like a hamstring or possibly another ankle blow - but Smith clearly looked distressed.

Pace and width have been key to City's home form this season and we will miss both men if they are ruled out. Whilst most would like to see Kim Bo Kyung, Joe Mason or Craig Conway step in for Smith - switching Don Cowie to the right may be Malky Mackay's answer.

Joe Mason looks set to deputise for Bellamy if the Welshman is ruled out. Mason came on last night and kept things simple, creating several good chances. He is unlucky not to be starting games at present, but could yet miss out to Rudy Gestede - another substitute last night. Hopefully, Etien Velikonja will get a chance in upcoming games too.

It is very encouraging to see players of the above calibre available to step in but with injuries to Bellamy, Smith and Maynard - we are missing three of our quicker and certainly more dynamic flair players. Hopefully the former two are back in action shortly and that others can contribute well in their absence.

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