Cardiff City boss Neil Harris has said that Sol Bamba is 'ready to go', as the Ivorian is set to make a long-awaited return against Preston North End in the Championship this weekend.

Bamba, 34, has played just six-minutes of football for the Cardiff first-team since March - the centre-back suffered a knee ligament injury against Wolves in the Premier League last season and has been on a long road to recovery in South Wales.

He made an unexpected, late substitute appearance against Birmingham City last month but has missed out on the last six match day squads.

Now though with Sean Morrison suspended for the Preston game following his red card against Leeds last weekend, and Aden Flint ruled out with a groin injury, Bamba could well start for the Bluebirds.

Speaking to WalesOnline, Harris said:

"Sol is ready to go. He wants to play and he’s getting fitter. Where’s his levels at? We’ll see. But he’s eager to play."

Bamba has played several games for the U23 side in recent weeks but at 34-years-old, suffering the injury he did, Harris doesn't want to take any chances on his fitness.

"Sometimes when players get to a certain age, they’re the best judge on whether they’re ready or not," explained Harris.

"Players know their body better than anybody and you as a player have to learn to listen to your body. It doesn't happen in your teens or 20s."

With Cardiff short on defensive options, Bamba is in-line to start against Preston tomorrow - he's a huge fan-favourite at the club, and his return will give both the players and fans a lift.

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The verdict

Cardiff have a lot of good options at centre-back - Bamba, Flint, Morrison and the likes of Curtis Nelson and young Ciaron Brown too.

Bamba though is the most experienced of these and arguably the most liked amongst Bluebirds fans - he plays with his heart on his sleeve and his presence always gives the club a huge boost.