Defender’s injury ‘not as bad as we first feared’ says Edwards ahead of Oxford clash

Teden Mengi
Teden Mengi. Photo by Liam Smith

Teden Mengi’s knee injury is not as bad as feared giving him a chance of featuring in the Championship clash at home to Oxford United tomorrow night. 

The defender was one of three players that had to be withdrawn during Luton’s 3-1 defeat at Plymouth three days ago. 

He was replaced by Mads Andersen, who then also go injured, while attacker Tahith Chong suffered a blow to the head that saw him unable to play in the second half at Home Park. 

But with concerns of a mini injury crisis just from that trip to Devon alone, there may be more positive news for the visit of newly-promoted Oxford. 

“We’ll see how T is,” said boss Edwards, adding: “It’s not as bad as we first feared or he first feared. He’s obviously had one or two issues with his knee. In the last game of the season he felt it and was out for a period of time as well, so we’ll see how he is. There’s a chance that he could be OK.

“I think it really felt more than something and that concerned him as well, so he did the right thing.”

But the game will come too soon for Chong who managed to walk off the pitch after his collision on the stroke of half time, despite a stretcher being called for, but won’t be cleared to play.  

Edwards said: “Unfortunately, Chongy will be a no for tomorrow. And then we’ll see. There is a scenario in the correct time frame, he could be available for the weekend, but not for tomorrow.

“He is a big player for us, but it’s opportunity for someone else. And that’s how we’ve got to see it in these moments. The good thing is, he’s not missing for a long period of time.”

But Andersen who has been dogged by injuries since joining Luton last summer from Barnsley, will be missing for more weeks again.  

“Mads will be a no,” said Edwards, adding: “He won’t be out for too long, I don’t think, but it’s just a slight muscular strain. We’re hoping only a couple of weeks. It’s incredibly frustrating for him. He’s been on that that cycle for quite a long time, and he’ll be pretty cut up about it.

“He’s very positive person, he’s a deep thinker and and yeah, it hurts him. I saw him very briefly this morning, you can see he’s down. 

“But again, it’s not too long, thankfully, so hopefully we get him back with us in the coming weeks. 

“Unfortunately for Mads, for whatever reason, it’s just that he’s had a few (injuries) now. He’s just not been able to sustain that period once he’s come back and and stay fit for whatever reason. 

“It’s a different injury to what he’s had before as well. It’s not really a new injury or anything like that. “Really, really frustrating for him.” 

Striker Carlton Morris, who missed the Plymouth defeat due to a thigh strain is unlikely to feature against Oxford, means Elijah Adebayo will play despite a seven-game goalless streak in the Championship

Edwards said: “Carlton’s progressing well. Again, I think if I’m being really honest, I think it wouldn’t be worth the risk tomorrow, because there’s a possibility that it’ll push him back even further. 

“So, he’s really positive about it. He’s been out on the grass and, and done well, but I think tomorrow night will be we’ll be pushing it too much and we’d be running too big a risk for such an important player.” 

Amari’i Bell remains out with a hamstring injury but Daiki Hashioka and Shandon Baptiste are edging towards fitness. 

“Both trained parts today of the session,” said Edwards. “Tomorrow will be too soon because obviously they’ve been out for for a few weeks, Hashi obviously longer, but that’s that’s obviously good news for those two.”