Gary Croft Injured

Injured
By Chris O'Brien
August 23 2004

City full-back Gary Croft looks set to be out of action for at least six weeks after tearing a cartilage in training. The versatile defender had looked set to start Tuesday's League Cup tie away at Kidderminster.

Cardiff City full-back Gary Croft has been sidelined for at least six weeks after suffering a torn cartilage in training. The former Ipswich Town defender looked set to be included in the Bluebirds line-up for the League Cup tie at Kidderminster, where he would have had the chance to impress manager Lennie Lawrence as he looks to wrestle his first-team place back from Rhys Weston.

However, Croft will be out of action until October at the earliest with his versatility along the backline sure to be missed by the Bluebirds. With Chris Barker out on loan to Stoke, the injury gives City very little strength in depth in the defensive department with only five fit defenders left.

"I don't know at this stage if the injury is any more than a torn cartilage," said Cardiff boss Lawrence.

"But what is certain is that he will be out between four and six weeks. It's a blow because that's one less player out of contention for a place in the team."

With Neil Alexander and Gareth Whalley almost certain to leave the club shortly, the City senior squad is looking smaller and smaller. Strength in depth could prove a real problem this season, and anymore injuries could cripple the chances of the Bluebirds in the Championship this term.