Premier League club’s injury crisis so bad assistant manager had to play in training… then he got crocked too
LUTON TOWN’S injury crisis has got so bad even their assistant manager is crocked.
Rob Edwards has revealed the Hatters’ long list of blows is growing as his squad prepares for their clash against Tottenham on Saturday.
Chiedozie Ogbene is the most recent player to suffer a blow after pulling out of Ireland’s training camp this week during the international break ahead of their friendly against Switzerland.
The winger returned to the club to undergo assessment but has not recovered in time for this weekend’s game against Spurs.
This meant ex-Ireland international and assistant coach Kevin Foley had to stand in during training as Luton have, “10 players missing” according to Edwards.
But the 39-year-old then suffered a crippling hamstring injury.
Edwards said: “It got so bad earlier in the week that Kev Foley had to train in the opposition and he tweaked a hamstring as well, so I’m losing staff as well as players now!”
Luton have not been so lucky this term with Edwards very rarely having a full squad to work with.
Marvelous Nakamba, Jacob Brown, Amari’i Bell and Dan Potts are all out for the season with knee and hamstring problems.
The Hatters have also been without duo Elijah Adebayo and Sambi Lokonga in recent weeks, the pair suffering hamstring issues.
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And Joe Johnson is recovering from glandular fever and centre-half Gabe Osho has also missed a few games.
Meanwhile, Danish defender Mads Andersen is only just back in training after a suffering calf injury that has ruined his second half of the season.
Luton managed to secure a point in their last fixture against Nottingham Forest but saw both Alfie Doughty and Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu forced off with blows.
Edwards squad need to remain focused if they want to remain in the Premier League next term.
They are in the midst of a very confusing relegation battle as Luton currently lies in 17th, between two clubs with asterisks next to their names.
Nottingham Forest have appealed against their four-point deduction and Everton, whose 10-point penalty was reduced to six, could yet face further punishment.