Cambridge United boss Neil Harris has confirmed that left-back Scott Malone is unlikely to feature in the upcoming League One fixtures against Huddersfield Town and Leyton Orient.
Cambridge, still with a super-slim chance of staying in League One, will certainly miss the defender as they desperately try to claw their way to survival.
Injury setback for experienced full-back
Malone, who joined the U’s as a free agent in March, limped off during last weekend’s 1-0 defeat to Charlton Athletic after sustaining a hip injury while attempting a cross-field pass. Although initially reluctant to leave the field, Harris made the decision to substitute the 34-year-old for his own protection.
“Scott Malone obviously came off in the game the other day so it’s unlikely we’re going to see him over the Easter period. He’s not been on the training pitch yet. Even a man that’s played 500 games in the top two divisions, you still have to help them sometimes to make good decisions. It was the right thing to do.”
The setback rules Malone out of a reunion with his former club Huddersfield Town on Friday, and he is also expected to miss Monday’s home clash against Leyton Orient at the Abbey Stadium.
Mixed news elsewhere on the injury front
Despite the disappointment surrounding Malone, there was some positive injury news for U’s fans. Goalkeeper Nathan Bishop and midfielder Paul Digby are edging closer to returns, although the Orient fixture appears the more realistic target for both players.
Defender Jubril Okedina is also back in training and could be part of the squad over the Easter period. Meanwhile, striker Shayne Lavery remains on course for a return before the end of the campaign following a lengthy hamstring injury lay-off.
With Cambridge still fighting to secure their League One status, Harris will be desperate to have as many players available as possible during the crucial final weeks of the season.
Writer’s view
Malone’s injury comes at a terrible time for Cambridge United, just as they need experienced heads for the run-in. Although there’s positive news elsewhere, losing a player of his pedigree is a real blow. Harris will be hoping the likes of Bishop and Digby can step up quickly to ease the pressure in their absence.
