Luton will be without Jordan Clark for the relegation six-pointer at home to Plymouth Argyle tomorrow night, as the midfielder has not recovered from the ankle injury he sustained in the warm-up at the weekend.
The 31-year-old was due to start as a substitute against Sheffield United on Saturday, one of seven changes that boss Matt Bloomfield made.
The refreshed line-up impressed with one of the best performances of a troubled season, but it still wasn’t enough to get the points they deserved against the promotion-chasers.
But tomorrow, against an Pilgrims side that leapfrogged Luton at the weekend to leave them bottom of the Championship, it’s a hugely significant game and one where Town need to end a run of 10 winless games.
To do that, the Hatters will be without the services of Clark and Bloomfield said: “Clicker had a bit of a sore ankle in the warm-up, so had to come off the bench, so he’s missing again tomorrow evening, but apart from that, I think we’re as we were.
“[Clark has] just a bit of information on the inside of his ankle. so he’s not too bad but he’s not ready for tomorrow evening, so he won’t be involved.
“It’s a disappointment because he’s been great since we’ve been here and obviously a senior member of the squad. But we’ve got a we’ve got a fully fit squad, of the ones that we had available.”
Defender Reece Burke and Tahith Chong are still out of action, though the former is “not far away”.
Bloomfield added: “He’s getting really, really close. another big character who’s missed too much football for our liking this season and for the football club. Big player, big character and we’re looking forward to having him back as soon as possible. It’s not quite yet, but he’s not far away.”
The manager confirmed that the absence of Lamine Fanne and Zack Nelson at the weekend was not down to injury.
“They’re both fine. In particular, Zack, I think, was really hard done by to miss out. I thought he did really well at Sunderland and we were back at home against a very good team. It felt like using the experienced players at that point.
“Obviously, we had several returning who weren’t available for the Sunderland game, so unfortunately for Zack he missed out, but nothing to do with his own performances.
“I thought he’s been absolutely great. Lamine is still new in his time in England and learning the game. At this particular time, it feels right to use the boys that have been there and done it as much as we possibly can.”
But though, Town still have Tom Lockyer and Teden Mengi out for the longer term, Bloomfield is starting to benefit from having most of his squad available.
He said: “Hopefully that should reflect in the performances because competition for places and again, seniors, people who have been there and done it a lot is also really important, getting that balance between the seniors and the and the younger players.
“Young players will always have an opportunity with me because I believe in promoting youth and promoting from within, and that’s proven in my managerial career so far and that won’t change.
“But in certain occasions you need to have boys that know it and have felt it before. And I think we’re probably in one of those times.”
Despite defeat on Saturday against Sheffield United, Town’s improved performance was helped by the return of Alfie Doughty, Amari’i Bell, Marvelous Nakamba, Liam Walsh, Isiah Jones and Elijah Adebayo, while Kal Naismith got his first start since rejoining the club on loan from Bristol City.
Bloomfield said: “Kal’s missed a lot of football this season. Marv hasn’t done loads and loads of games back to back but we’ve had an extra day of recovery, and the boys are training well. I thought Saturday was a very good performance, and we’re looking to try and replicate that as close as we can.”
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