Coventry City are preparing for Tuesday’s Carabao Cup meeting with Luton Town just days after their goalless Championship opener against Hull City.
The fixture offers manager Frank Lampard an opportunity to give vital minutes to fringe players while also protecting several squad members nursing injuries.
Coventry City Injury Update
Midfielder Jack Rudoni, who missed the final pre-season friendly with a calf strain, featured against Hull but remains short of full sharpness. Lampard acknowledged the player’s influence, noting his threat in possession but also his recent training absence.
Ephron Mason-Clark played through a sore groin at the weekend, with Lampard highlighting the importance of his natural left-sided balance despite a quieter first half. Striker Haji Wright continued his gradual return from an Achilles problem, adding half an hour to the brief cameo he made against St Pauli.
Key Injury Updates
Skipper Ben Sheaf suffered a groin strain shortly after coming on against Hull, feeling discomfort during a crossing move. While the full extent is unclear, the club are optimistic it is not a long-term setback.
Josh Eccles is nearing a return after a severe dead leg and could rejoin training this week, though the upcoming clash with Derby County may come too soon, with Queens Park Rangers a more realistic target for involvement.
Defender Joel Latibeaudiere, who returned late after summer international duty, is working back from a knee knock and will need additional fitness work before being available for selection.
Goalkeeper Oliver Dovin remains sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury sustained last season. His recovery continues on schedule, with January pencilled in as a potential return date, although Lampard stressed there is no rush to accelerate the process.
Writer’s View
Lampard’s handling of this early-season injury list will be crucial to Coventry’s momentum. The Carabao Cup tie offers a low-pressure platform to reintroduce players such as Wright and Rudoni at a measured pace while testing squad depth against strong Championship opposition.
Protecting the likes of Sheaf and Mason-Clark now could pay dividends in the coming weeks, particularly with the league campaign still in its infancy. For supporters, the priority will be seeing signs of sharpness from returning attackers, ensuring the Sky Blues carry greater cutting edge into key fixtures ahead.
