Cardiff manager Neil Harris has provided a squad update ahead of Tuesday's game against Stoke, with Joe Ralls definitely out and Callum Paterson a slight doubt.
The Bluebirds salvaged a 2-2 draw against Charlton Athletic last time out at The Valley in what was Harris' first match in charge of Cardiff.
With the games in the Championship coming thick and fast, the side have only had two days of rest and recovery ahead of a tough test against a Stoke side who have won their last two league games under new manager Michael O'Neill.
Speaking to the club website ahead of the game, Neil Harris gave fans an update on the fitness of striker Callum Paterson, who started against Charlton.
"Pato [Callum Paterson] picked up a knock on Saturday. We’ll have to see how he goes, but we’re hopeful," Harris said.
The manager talked about Cardiff's German striker, Robert Glatzel, who is nearing a return from injury after missing the last three games.
"Robert Glatzel is getting closer and we’re hoping he could be available for Tuesday, if not Saturday."
“Gavin Whyte is close but probably not close enough, and we’ll be without Rallsy [Joe Ralls] for a couple of weeks. A few of the lads will play in the under-23s today, including Jazz [Richards], Danny [Ward], Sol [Bamba] and Joe Day to really build their fitness up.
Isaac [Vassell] and Matt Connolly are then our two longer-term absentees.”
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The Verdict
There will be mixed feelings about the injury news provided, but nevertheless Cardiff fans will be positive about the news on Robert Glatzel, with Jazz Richards, Sol Bamba and Danny Ward also nearing a return to full fitness.
Having more players available will help the squad with the upcoming busy festive fixture schedule.