Jack Wilshere has confirmed that midfielder Jordan Clark will remain sidelined for Luton Town’s trip to League One leaders Stockport County — but says the influential playmaker is edging closer to a return.
The midfielder has been out for the last two weeks with a calf injury after being withdraw in the victory at Northampton and will again miss out this weekend.
“Jordan Clark is still not available,” Wilshere said. “He won’t be too long, but there were some tests that they had to do. So unfortunately, we don’t have Jordan.”
The Luton boss added that Liam Walsh’s recent return to action has been an important boost, offering control and composure in midfield during Clark’s absence.
“Of course we want Jordan back and, you know, the more good players we have, especially in the middle of the pitch, the better performances will be and it will help us in what we’re trying to do, get a little bit more control,” Wilshere said, adding: “Walsh has done well and Walsh is a top player. He probably plays a little bit deeper than Jordan, but we definitely want Jordan back as well.”
Wilshere also welcomed the debut of striker Ali Al-Hamadi, who made a cameo in last weekend’s 4-3 FA Cup win over Forest Green Rovers after signing for the club on transfer deadline day, but arriving with a calf issue.
“It’s important that we give them that time and they know that,” Wilshere said about Al-Hamadi and fellow forward Jacob Brown.
“Of course they’ll feel pressure because they’re top professionals and top players who want to come back and help the team. But it was really good to have Ali back as well. I probably played him a little bit out of position — I see him more as a nine. I know he can play off the left and it’s something he’ll probably have to do at some point this season. Absolutely no concerns with Ali, at all. It was good to get him back on the pitch. He was probably frustrated with certain things that happened, but the main thing was he was back on the pitch and he keeps building his fitness.”
Shayden Morris remains out, and Reuell Walters has returned to training in the last couple of days, while Jacob Brown is nearing a comeback, but Wilshere revealed the forward is not yet ready for selection despite making good progress in training.
“Jacob Brown is getting closer, probably needs a little bit more time,” the manager said. “But he’s training really well. He’s come back well. I’ve been there with a similar injury actually, and he’s been in training now for a while, but it does take some time to find your rhythm and composure again when you’re on the ball. He’s really done well over the last seven to ten days, but it’s probably a little bit too soon for him.”
With more players returning to contention, Wilshere admitted he now faces tougher choices when naming his matchday squad — but said that competition can only benefit the group.
“Players are coming back now which gives me a few problems when I’m picking a squad — good problems to have,” he said. “The most important thing is that players understand that it might not be their week, but knowing this league and this division, they’re still going to play an important part.”
Luton head to Edgeley Park on the back of three straight wins in all competitions, looking to extend their unbeaten run against a Stockport side flying high at the top of League One.
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