Luton Town manager Matt Bloomfield admits defender Mads Andersen is unlikely to feature in today’s League One clash at Burton Albion as the Hatters continue to juggle injury concerns.
Andersen hasn’t featured since Town’s 2-1 defeat at Bradford a fortnight ago in a blow to the Dane after his best run of appearances since February in what has been in injury-hit two years since joining the Hatters from Barnsley.
But asked about his possible return, Bloomfield conceded the central defender’s chances of returning at the Pirelli Stadium were slim.
“[It’s] debateable. I’m not sure right now. It’s looking doubtful because of what’s happened over the last couple of weeks,” Bloomfield told a media conference. “I thought he was going to be back for the game last week but that wasn’t to be. He’s working extremely hard, Mads. I’ve spoken a number of times about how much of a positive he’s been. I think we’ve missed him in the last couple of games. We’ll welcome him back as soon as we can.”
The Luton boss admitted it was a frustrating setback for a player who had impressed during the summer.
“[It’s] really frustrating because I think anyone who watched us in pre-season and the first couple of games knows he’s been top, absolute top,” Bloomfield said, adding: “He allows us to play with the back three with width in our two outside ones because of the amount of ground he covers. So it’s been a real disappointment for Mads and a frustration for him, but he’s got a smile on his face. We really trust him and we’re looking forward to having him back as soon as possible.”
Bloomfield did offer more encouraging news on other members of his squad. Young defender Reuell Walters has resumed light training, while centre half Teden Mengi is also edging closer to a return.
“Rue’s back on the grass now, he’s joining with a couple of the preliminary parts of training,” Bloomfield said. “Teden Mengi as well. So yeah, they’re starting to filter back. I don’t think there’s anyone that we can welcome back to the squad who hasn’t already been available, but there are some players working extremely hard to try and get back as soon as possible.”
Meanwhile, centre-half Mark McGuinness looks to be recovering well from the illness that hampered his summer, saw him sent home from the club’s Slovenia pre-season camp and meant he lost weight after being bed ridden.
The former Arsenal youth has now made four consecutive 90 minutes, in all competitions, after havint to make do with five minutes off the bench in Town’s opening two games of the season.
“Saturday was probably his best performance in terms of clearances — I think he was well over 10 on that one,” Bloomfield said after McGuinness faced his former side Cardiff last weekend.
“I feel for Mark as well because of Christ’s [Makosso] suspension, because of other situations, Mads’ injury, he had to go from playing 45 minutes at Borehamwood to 90 minutes four times in 10 days. You’ve got to feel for him, but he’s building himself up. We know he’s a top performer, so we’re really happy to have him back and I believe there’s a lot more to come from Mark.”
