Luton boss doesn’t expect to welcome Town quartet back for Burton trip.
Luton manager Matt Bloomfield has stated that Reuell Walters, Teden Mengi, and Tahith Chong have all returned to light training, although they, like defender Mads Andersen, are unlikely to appear in Saturday’s League One trip to Burton.
Mengi and Chong have yet to play a first-team game for the Hatters this season, with Mengi injured during the 2-0 pre-season win over Southend United and Chong suffering an injury shortly after the squad returned to the Brache after their summer holiday.
Walters had started the first two third-tier matches before being substituted at halftime against Peterborough United with a groin injury, and has not appeared since. In an update on the trio, Bloomfield said:
“Reu’s back on the grass now.” He and Teden Mengi have both participated in some of the preparatory phases of training, such as passing drills and warm up. Chongy has returned to training, which has been beneficial; they are gradually returning. I don’t think we can welcome anyone back to the squad who hasn’t been available, but there are some players who are working incredibly hard to return as soon as possible.”
Meanwhile, Bloomfield had praised Andersen’s return to the first team on several occasions in recent weeks, with the Danish centre half starting all three of Luton’s first three games, but he was forced to miss games against Wigan Athletic and Cardiff City due to a tight hamstring. Bloomfield may be unable to go to the Pirelli Stadium.
When asked about his chances of playing, he stated, “Debatable, I’m not sure right now.” It seemed doubtful given what has occurred in recent weeks. I hoped he’d be back for the game last Saturday, but that wasn’t the case.
He’s working very hard. I’ve mentioned Mads’ beneficial impact several times. We’ve missed him in recent games and will welcome him back as soon as possible.
It’s quite disappointing because, in my opinion, everybody who watched us in preseason and the first couple of games would agree that he was outstanding.
Because of the amount of ground he covers, he allows us to play with the back three while still providing breadth in our two outside ones. So Mads is disappointed and frustrated, but he smiles.
We have complete faith in him and eagerly await his return. Although Andersen is unlikely to participate, one bright spot for Bloomfield in last weekend’s 1-0 defeat to Cardiff City was the performance of fellow defender Mark McGuinness, who appeared to be back to his best after being out for the most of pre-season due to a sickness.
The Irish international was Town’s strongest performer in their much-maligned back three, making 13 clearances and coming close to scoring with his own header.
He should keep his position for the weekend’s game.The Town manager added:
“I feel for Mark as well because of Christ’s suspension and other situations, Mads’ injury, and Mark having to go from playing no pre-season football, well, 45 minutes at Boreham Wood, to being thrown in for 90 minutes four times in ten days due to other circumstances.”
So you have to feel for him again, but he is getting better. We know he’s a good performer, and we’re delighted to have him back. I feel Mark has a lot more to offer.”
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