Dasilva, Van Ewijk, Allen, Kitching – Coventry City injury news and return dates for Hull clash
Coventry City injury news from CoventryLive as Sky Blues boss Mark Robins prepares his squad for Friday’s return to action at Hull
Mark Robins has mixed injury news ahead of Coventry City’s trip to Hull on Friday (7.45pm kick-off).
Although due to be boosted by the return of two of his long-term casualties to training this week, there are doubts over at least one of the Sky Blues regular starters this season, Jay Dasilva, who was one of three players to leave the field with issues against Watford last time out.
Robins gave the players time off last week but his squad were due back at Ryton today to prepare for the weekend’s televised match at the MKM Stadium. Coventry have taken six points from their opening five Championship games to leave them in 14th place in the table, while the Tigers are unbeaten in their last four, during which they’ve taken an impressive 10 points, topped by a 1-0 win at Leicester going into the international break.
Here is the latest injury news ahead of City’s return to Championship action.
Jay Dasilva
The left wing-back was forced off the field just five minutes into the second half against Watford following a heavy challenge and left the CBS Arena with his left foot and ankle in a protective boot. He was replaced by Jake Bidwell who is a ready-made, reliable and more than able substitute, albeit not quite offering the same attacking thrust as the summer signing from Bristol City.
What Robins has said: “Jay had to come off after going into a heavy tackle just after halftime. I don’t know yet (how bad it is). I have got the physio looking at him.”
Milan van Ewijk
The impressive summer signing was replaced by Tatsuhiro Sakamoto in the 71st minute against the Hornets with a sore hamstring. So far the Dutch wing-back has started four of City’s five league games, quickly establishing himself as the manager’s first choice on the right.
What Robins has said: “Milan came off because he felt his hamstring but he looks all right out of the those who had to come off.”
Expected date back: Given that the manager didn’t seem overly concerned in his post-match comments, it’s expected that Van Ewijk will be fit to play against Hull on Friday after having had time for rest and treatment.
Kasey Palmer
The hugely influential playmaker went off in the 88th minute against Watford when he was replaced by striker Ellis Simms. Palmer was assessed by the club’s physio before being allowed to join team-mate Joel Latibeaudiere on long-haul international duty with Jamaica. He started in Saturday’s 1-0 home win over Honduras, playing 65 minutes on the left of a midfield three that saw Latibeaudiere in the holding role. Jamaica next play on Wednesday night against Haiti before the pair are due to return to the UK on Thursday, giving neither players much time to recover and prepare for Friday’s domestic match.
What Robins said: “Kasey came off because he felt his knee.”
Expected date back: The end of the week on return from international duty.
Liam Kitching
The deadline day signing from Barnsley missed what would have been his final game for the Tykes with a groin strain but declared himself fit and ready to join straight in with training following the international break.
Expected date of return: Expected to join in training this week and be available to travel on Friday (Sept 15) when he could make his debut.
Jamie Allen
The 28-year-old is yet to kick a ball in anger this season after a serious summer health scare. The high-energy midfielder suffered a heart issue during the close season which delayed his return for pre-season and meant he was unable to play any friendly matches in the build up to the new campaign.
What Robins has said: “The big thing for me is that I will have Jamie Allen back training in the week leading up to the Hull game.”
Expected return date: Possibly on the bench on Friday (Sept 15).
Callum O’Hare
City’s star midfielder has been out since Boxing Day with a cruciate knee ligament rupture. But nine months on from his operation he’s getting closer to a return to action.
What Robins has said: “Not too far after Jamie, I think Callum O’Hare will be dipping in and out of the training sessions leading up to Hull as well, so that will be a process as well.”
