Kevin McNaughton lasted just 20 minutes into his Cardiff comeback

Cardiff City boss Dave Jones concedes he has to sell if he is to sign players before Thursday's loan deadline.

But Cardiff's injury crisis is set to be alleviated for Sunday's clash with Ipswich as four players are to return.

Strikers Jay Bothroyd (knee) and Kelvin Etuhu (ankle) and defenders Anthony Gerrard (calf) and Adam Matthews (groin) missed the defeat at Barnsley.

But full-back Kevin McNaughton is set to be out for two weeks after tearing a hamstring in his comeback on Saturday.

The Scotsman was forced off in the 20th minute of his first game of the season in the 1-0 loss at Oakwell - after rupturing ankle ligaments in pre-season - and scans have revealed a minimal hamstring pull.

McNaughton joins key midfielder Stephen McPhail on the sidelines for fifth-placed Cardiff's game with Ipswich Town at the Cardiff City Stadium on Sunday.

Jones needs to strengthen Cardiff's midfield and bolster their frontline with a replacement targetman for Bothroyd, who is playing with a hairline fracture to his kneecap.

606: DEBATE City fans up and down the country can breathe a sigh of relief, Jay Bothroyd will be fit and available for Sunday's crucial home match against Ipswich CoedBluebird

"If I want to bring players in," said Jones. "Then I've got to move one or two players out."

But he is boosted as on-loan Manchester City striker Etuhu is back in full training after two months out with ankle ligament damage.

The 21-year-old sustained the injury in their defeat by Newcastle United on 13 September when he crashed into advertising boards.

And pivotal striker Bothroyd is also set to be available for Jones again.

"We hoping to get Jay back for Sunday and we hope Kelvin is coming in," said Cardiff manager Jones."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version