Cardiff City: injury crisis worsens

Cardiff City face major injury worries ahead of Friday's televised Championship clash with Barnsley.

Skipper Darren Purse is ruled out with a disc problem in his back and looks set to be sidelined for around 6 weeks after initial reports suggested he may only miss 2 matches.

The loss of Purse for a prolonged period means that Cardiff are without a recognised centre-back on the bench and with reserve team centre half and captain Michael Corcoran leaving on loan to Oxford this week, Cardiff's options are limited.

They do currently have Hungarian defender Bela Belogh on trial, and initial indications are that he has impressed Dave Jones. Another option is to bring in a loan player as cover to Johnson and Loovens, the loan window opens on 8 February for non-Premiership clubs.
Kevin McNaughton may be forced to cover the position should injury arise.



Another blow to Cardiff is the injury to experienced midfielder Riccardo Scimeca. The ex-West Brom player limped off imjured during Cardiff's win over Leicester last weekend after tweaking a hamstring but after a scan, the problem was found to be more serious.

'I had a scan on Tuesday and I have a grade one tear, which will keep me out for around four weeks.' Scimeca told the South Wales Echo.

Combative midfielder Simon Walton, signed yesterday from Charlton on loan could make his debut in place of Scimeca, while Willo Flood, Kevin McNaughton or Joe Ledley could all be asked to fill the gap. Scimeca's presence has been a feature of Cardiff's play this season and a change in tactics may be required to deal with his loss.

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