Coventry City will go in search of their first ever league win at Deepdale when they get back to Championship action this weekend, with a lunchtime kick-off at Preston North End.
The Sky Blues signed off the international break with a thoroughly disappointing 2-1 CBS Arena defeat by Sheffield Wednesday so will be looking to bounce back after plenty of work on the training ground to iron out on-going deficiencies from the team’s stuttering start to the 2024/25 season.
With just eight points on the board from their opening nine league matches, Mark Robins and his players need a pick-me-up from their next block of games that include away trips to QPR and Middlesbrough either side of a home game against surprise early season strugglers, Luton Town. But first up is the task of brushing aside North End at one of the club’s official bogey grounds.
With such an important period on the horizon, Robins will need to be able to rely on as many members of his squad as possible. Injury issues have stacked up in recent weeks, but it is hoped at least one of those currently on the injury list will be available for the clash with the Lilywhites.
What’s been said: The popular Japanese winger doesn’t seem to be able to catch a break, having already been sidelined for two and a half weeks with an ankle injury in early September this season, having been out for almost three months with broken bones in his back, coincidentally, after playing Preston last February. His latest setback came in the opening minutes against Blackburn Rovers when Tyrhys Dolan’s studs caught his leg, inflicting a deep cut that required eight stitches. Robins said: “It’s a nasty, nasty gash. He’s sliced through his thigh.”
Return date: Due back in the matchday squad this weekend to face Preston
Jake Bidwell
Injury: Knee ligament strain
What’s been said: The no-nonsense full-back was clattered in a tackle by Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Shea Charles in the 77th minute, for which the visiting player was booked, but limped off after being assessed by the Sky Blues’ medical staff, and replaced by Jay Dasilva. “He doesn’t come off for no reason. He’s opened his knee up so there will be a knee ligament injury of some sort and some severity, so he’ll be out for a little while.”
Return date: Unspecified at this stage
Jamie Allen
Injury: Medial collateral knee ligament injury
What’s been said: The midfielder dropped to the deck, clearly in some trouble at around the 20 minute mark against Swansea on September 21. Robins said: “Jamie has a medial collateral ligament injury and will be out for a significant amount of time, probably going to be eight to ten weeks. It’s a setback for Jamie as well as us. He’s been through quite a torrid 12 months with various issues, and he doesn’t do anything by halves. If he has an issue, it’s an issue.”
Return date: Allen is three weeks into his recovery and best case scenario could be back at the end of November when City host Cardiff at the CBS Arena (Nov 30) or, failing that, the following week’s trip to Millwall on December 7.
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