Manuel Pellegrini has received a triple boost with the news that Ryan Fredericks, Fabian Balbuena and Chicharito could all be back on the Rush Green training pitch next week.
And should they make it back for Monday morning there’s even a chance they could be fit to take their place in the squad for next weekend’s game against Arsenal.
Fredericks has been suffering an ankle injury, and has been missing since making a brief appearance against Huddersfield but has made a better than expected recovery and is on target for a return to the squad for Arsenal or Bournemouth the following weekend.
It’s great news as with Zaba unable to play every game it means we have been relying on the not so great defensive abilities of Michail Antonio – an often worrying scenario.
Balbuena too is expected back on the training ground after recovering well from an ankle problem whilst Chicharito too has shaken off a muscle problem.
A senior insider – speaking to CandH on the phone tonight – said: “Its all looking much better. If they start training on Monday they could be fit for the Arsenal game and if later Bournemouth.
Great news, and considering we have had very positive results over the past weeks with a threadbare squad bodes well. Hopefully we can really push on for the rest of the season, top eight and cup final would be a great 1st season for the manager who deserves a lot of credit for the good feel factor. COYI
Fantastic to hear Balbuena back, super signing. Good to hear Hernandez back too but not sure where we can fit him in now that Arne is back. As for Fredericks not good enough for PL, we need to send him out on loan. He is not the answer at FB. Laughing at us being linked again to Cairney from Fulham for 25m. Another player totally out of his depth at PL level.
Spot on Ozzie…we can certainly see where we’re heading, bodes very well.
Agree with Ozzie, great news we have definitely missed Balbuena, if we are too reinstate the number 6 jersey I think he is the closest thing we have had to Moore, Diop does a lot of good things but Balbuena is the one often in the right place at the right time, its no surprise we have looked shakier at the back without him. Arsenal on the other hand have a shocking defensive line hopefully we can exploit it COYI !!!
I like Balbuena but comparing him to Moore? Nowhere near.
With a full squad why settle for 8th ? . Ambition is key . High expectations are always associated with criticisms of players because of the self inflicted Ambition . If there is no ambition , why play in the first place . Half a season to go and all to play for . I believe that our squad will be returning to fitness whilst others begin to show signs of fatigue .
COYHAMMERS