Northampton Town have been hit with a fresh injury concern after manager Kevin Nolan confirmed left-back Ali Koiki will be out “for a while” following a thigh injury setback.
The 25-year-old had only recently returned to first-team action, featuring from the bench in three matches this month after missing the bulk of the season with a separate muscle issue. His latest injury rules him out of this weekend’s League One clash with Cambridge United – and potentially much longer.
Koiki joined the Cobblers from Bristol Rovers in 2021 and was a key part of the side that earned promotion from League Two last term. However, this campaign has been plagued by injury frustration for the full-back, who now faces another extended spell on the sidelines.
Nolan: “We won’t rush him back”
Cobblers boss Kevin Nolan, still haunted by the spectre of relegation, confirmed he won’t rush the player back.
“I don’t really want to put a date on it, we thought he might have to have surgery but we are hoping now that isn’t the case. We might get him back right at the end of the season but we will be supporting him and we won’t rush him back in any way.”
Koiki’s current deal is set to expire in the summer, having signed a two-year contract following the Cobblers’ promotion in 2023. His injury troubles may complicate future contract talks, with the defender’s long-term fitness now a concern as the season winds down.
Nolan also revealed that fellow defender Jordan Willis is a doubt for Saturday’s fixture due to a tight hamstring, further stretching options at the back for a side trying to maintain their League One status.
Northampton currently sit 19th in the table, six points clear of the relegation zone with eight games remaining. With defensive resources limited and crucial fixtures ahead, Nolan may be forced to reshuffle once again.
Writer’s view
Koiki’s injury couldn’t have come at a worse moment for Northampton. After working so hard to return to the squad, this fresh setback adds uncertainty not only to his season but also his future at the club. With his contract up in the summer, and doubts over a return before May, the Cobblers may have a difficult decision ahead – especially if they remain in League One for 2025/26. For now, Nolan must patch together a defence with limited depth as the club fights to stay afloat.
