Richards injury blow for Bluebirds andWales
WALES are set for a World Cup qualifying blow as Neil Warnock has confirmed Cardiff City defender Jazz Richards could be ruled out for around three months with an ankle injury.
The defender suffered the problem in the 2-1 win over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Saturday and wasn’t involved in the matchday squad for the stunning victory against Leeds.
And speaking after his side’s success against his former club, the Yorkshireman – who was also without injured central midfielders Joe Ralls and Aron Gunnarsson for the clash with the Whites – revealed Richards needs an operation and could face a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
“It doesn’t look very good for Jazz,” said Warnock.
“He looks like he might be out about two or three months and needs an operation. We’ll have to see. His injury is very much like Kadeem Harris.’ He’s seen a surgeon and he’ll need a similar operation to Kadeem.”
Gunnarsson was withdrawn late on in the win at Sunderland, while Ralls scored the winner and played the full 90 minutes.
And Warnock admits he could have risked Ralls against Leeds, but he felt Sol Bamba was excellent in front of the back four along with Craig Bryson and Loic Damour in the absence of Ralls.
“I could’ve probably risked one of them,” added Warnock.
“Gunnars was slightly worse than Ralls. I thought if I risked Ralls, I’m expecting trouble on Saturday. I didn’t think it was worth the risk.
“It never worried me at all because I know what the big man can do (Bamba). I knew the atmosphere would help him with what they (Leeds fans) say about him. I think it drives him on. He came in and did a superb job.”