Luton boss Matt Bloomfield is hoping he will welcome back Tahith Chong after this upcoming international break, while the return of a key defender is also making progress.
The manager took the Hatters hottest a week after Chong’s last game in January, so he hasn’t yet been able to select the attacker who had played 24 times before suffering a hamstring injury.
Town face three big games this week with trips to high-flying Burnley, fellow relegation rivals Cardiff before hosting Middlesbrough next weekend, but then there’s a two-week break between domestic games and it is hoped that will be enough time to aid Chong’s return.
Bloomfield said: “He’s not back in with our group yet. He’s not far away, but I think before the international break is probably slightly unlikely. We’ll see how this next week goes.
“But if not, we hope [to have] him to be back really soon, post international break.”
Given the nature of his lay-off, Bloomfield is keen to get Chong’s recovery and return right.
“He’s a quick boy. It’s really important that we make sure we give him the time to make sure he’s 100 per cent,” said the manager.
“There’s been no hiccups with his rehab. He’s been working hard. He’s been doing everything that’s been asked of him and he’s in a good place.
“I think it’s just about making sure that we don’t rush him because of the situation. We have to make sure that we’re responsible with Tahith and get him back when he’s ready.
“[He’s got] attacking instinct, attacking threat, final third quality, ball carrying ability to get you up the pitch in moments that need it. A player who excites our supporters, so we look forward to having him back when he’s ready.”
Teden Mengi has been out of action for even longer. November was his last game before he went under the knife having revealed that he’d rejected the idea of knee surgery in the summer.
Bloomfield said of the centre half: “His recovery is going really well. He’s on the grass, not with the group, but he’s doing his individual work. He’s got his boots on and he’s running and he’s changing direction.
“He’s got a smile on his face. I think he can sense that it’s getting closer and the end is in sight, which is great for him. Again, [he’s] missed too long of the season for a player of his calibre for our football club, but, yeah, the end’s in sight and, in the not too distant future, not immediate, but in the not too distant future, we’re really looking forward to having him back.
“The sun’s been shining this week. He’s been out on the grass. I was a player not too long ago and when had injuries, it was getting your boots on, getting on the grass, being around the players rather than being stuck in the gym. It’s a big psychological test, long-term injuries.
“He’s worked incredibly hard, but you get a massive boost from being back out on the grass, especially being around the boys, as a player. yeah.
“We can’t rush him. We’re going to have to make sure we look after him because he’s a huge player for us and a big asset for the football club. So we need to make sure we use him, when he’s right. But when he’s right, it’ll be a big player for us.”
Games are running out for Luton with 11 Championship matched remaining for them to secure their second tier status, which won’t leave much time to get Mengi up to speed.
Bloomfield said: “If we can put on a reserve game or use him in an under-21 game at some point, it might be something to consider.
“It’s something we’ve discussed and spoken about, but time is of the essence for the first team as well. And it’s just getting that balance right with the boys returning from injuries.”
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