Luton Town boss Jack Wilshere is still being cautious with Ali Al-Hamadi as the striker battles towards full fitness.
The Iraqi international is yet to make his Hatters debut after joining the League One title hopefuls on deadline day this summer. However, former boss Matt Bloomfield revealed upon his signing that the former AFC Wimbledon talisman had a calf injury and would not feature in the coming weeks.
Wilshere Feeling ‘Impatient’
Wilshere is still in his early days at Kenilworth Road, having lost his debut as a permanent senior manager last weekend as Luton fell to Mansfield Town in League One action. The former Norwich City caretaker will take his side on a short trip up the M1 to face Northampton Town, but looks set to be without Al-Hamadi once more.
Speaking to Luton Today about Al-Hamadi’s status, Wilshere said:
“He’s been training, when I first came he was training away from the group, the last maybe week he’s been training with the group and we’re just trying to slowly build him up. We’re impatient with him because he’s been so good in training and we know how good he can be and he’s going to help the team massively, not just with his ability, but he’s a leader as well.
“He’s a man, he talks to the young players, he’s the one who’s coaching in training, so we’re excited by him, but we need to be a little bit calm. What’s important is we get him back and help him back, but we don’t get him back for a couple of games, it’s a bit too early, he picks up something else, I think that’s really important. My experience as a player, you have to make sure that he’s right and even if it takes maybe one extra game it will help in the long run.”
Other Options Ready
While Al-Hamadi’s debut is unlikely to come at Sixfields, Wilshere still has an abundance of options to choose from for his second game in charge. Nakhi Wells was given the nod from the off against Mansfield but had a torrid time, missing a penalty in the first half.
Jerry Yates came on for the former Bradford City striker in the second half, and he was later joined by Lasse Nordas in the final stages of the game against Nigel Clough’s men. So while Al-Hamadi’s Premier League experience is still needed following a slow start to the season, there are a few alternatives to pick from for the new Luton boss.
