Cambridge United striker Shayne Lavery faces another long spell on the sidelines after suffering a recurrence of his ongoing hamstring injury during the defeat to Notts County last weekend.
The 26-year-old Northern Ireland international was forced off in the first half of the League Two clash and has since undergone scans confirming a further setback.
Manager Neil Harris has revealed the forward could be sidelined until Christmas, in what is the latest in a series of frustrating injury interruptions since his arrival from Blackpool 15 months ago.
Northern Ireland international Shayne Lavery has joined The U’s ⚽️ #BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/XpFDpdRKLO
— BBC SPORT NI (@BBCSPORTNI) July 1, 2024
Lavery’s Injury Woes Continue
Lavery’s time at the Abbey Stadium has been marred by repeated hamstring issues, and this latest problem adds to a difficult personal spell. After returning to fitness in early autumn, he had started to rediscover form with 3 goals in 7 league appearances before this latest blow halted his momentum.
Speaking to BBC Radio Cambridgeshire, Harris confirmed the striker’s scan results had shown another tear, ruling him out for at least six to eight weeks.
“He’s had his scan and he’s going to be out for 6 or 8 weeks again, as he was before, as he has tended to be in the past,” said Harris.
“We’re all devastated, we’re all disappointed because he was just starting to show himself and how good he is at this level – or any level. He’s just a really good player, and we’re gutted for the lad because he’s devastated.”
The U’s boss added that the club had been closely managing Lavery’s workload but admitted that, despite careful preparation, his body simply hasn’t been able to cope with the demands of back-to-back games.
“We’re gutted for him”
Cambridge striker Shayne Lavery will spend at least six weeks out with another hamstring problem ⤵️#CamUTD | #BBCEFL pic.twitter.com/oP3HUf7Sly
— BBC Cambs Sport (@BBCCambsSport) October 31, 2025
Cambridge Look To Regroup Ahead Of FA Cup Clash
Harris must now plan without his top striker ahead of a crucial period, with Cambridge United set to host Chester in the first round of the FA Cup this weekend. Lavery’s absence leaves the side short of senior attacking options, though there is some relief with Louis Appere nearing a return after his own six-week hamstring layoff.
“You can look back at all the data and all the build-up to the game, but ultimately his body has not been able to handle it and that’s tough for him to take and tough for us,” Harris explained.
“He’s going to be out for a period so we have to deal with that accordingly.”
Lavery has made just 25 appearances in all competitions for Cambridge since joining from Blackpool in the summer of 2024. The striker, who has earned 20 caps for Northern Ireland, had become an important part of Harris’s plans after finally stringing together a run of games earlier this season.
With the festive schedule approaching and key fixtures on the horizon, Cambridge will hope to have Lavery available early in the new year — though after another cruel setback, the focus now turns to helping him recover fully once and for all.
