Cambridge United could welcome back striker Shayne Lavery for this weekend’s League Two clash with Oldham Athletic.
The Northern Ireland international has been sidelined since pre-season with a hamstring problem but is now pushing for a place in Neil Harris’s matchday squad.
Lavery’s Injury Battle
Lavery, 26, has endured a frustrating spell on the sidelines since suffering another setback during the summer, adding to a career punctuated by hamstring issues. As a result, the forward has missed all eight of United’s competitive fixtures so far this campaign. However, his full participation in training over the last fortnight has placed him in contention for a return at the Abbey Stadium against the struggling Latics.
Harris explained that managing Lavery’s recovery has required a balance between medical expertise and player instinct. He revealed that data and sports science play a major role but that the striker’s own understanding of his body has been key in determining his progress.
“It’s a tough one. Sometimes it’s just best guess and that doesn’t just fall on me, it falls on the medical and sports science department to make their best guess – that’s their jobs. I speak to the player because the player knows his body better than anyone. Then you have to work out if you can trust a player’s opinion and with Shayne you can,” Harris said.
The Cambridge boss admitted that a final call on Lavery’s inclusion will be taken after the team’s final training session. Should he feature, it is expected to be from the bench, with Harris keen to reintroduce him gradually after such a long absence.
Lavery made a notable impression last season, scoring five goals in 18 appearances. His ability to change games late on was highlighted in particular during a cameo against Birmingham City, and Harris is confident his return could prove as valuable as any summer signing.
“Let’s be honest, he’s just a very, very, very good player and an unbelievably good player at this level. Having Shayne back fit will be one of the best bits of business in the transfer window and once he’s fit it’s keeping him fit – that’s the biggest challenge,” Harris added.
Site Opinion
Lavery’s potential return could not come at a better time for Cambridge, who have been seeking greater attacking options in the early stages of the campaign. His pace, direct running, and eye for goal are qualities that can lift a squad, particularly against an Oldham side yet to secure a league victory.
If he can stay injury-free, Lavery has the ability to transform United’s forward line and provide the cutting edge Harris’s team will need to push up the table.
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