Manager Lampard Confirmed the Striker is Available This Weekend
Coventry City manager Frank Lampard has received a significant boost ahead of Saturday's lunchtime kick-off at Oxford United with the news that Haji Wright will be included in the matchday squad for the first time in almost four months.
The US international forward, who hasn't played since the 2-2 draw at Sunderland on November 9 due to an ankle injury, returns at a crucial time as the Sky Blues push for a playoff spot. Wright's availability marks a welcome return for one of City's joint leading scorers, who netted seven goals before his injury layoff. He was left off the 60-man preliminary roster for the Nations League next month.
"He's in the squad, so good," Lampard confirmed. "The last two or three weeks have been physical training without the concern of the ankle injury, which has obviously taken a while. I haven't worked with him yet, properly. He hasn't played for me, so it's a really great feeling for the group and for me to have him back available."
Lampard's squad is further strengthened by captain Ben Sheaf, who returned from the bench in last week's 2-1 victory over Preston North End. With only midfielder Victor Torp (calf) currently sidelined, Coventry is approaching full strength at the perfect time.
The Sky Blues visit Oxford in exceptional form, having won seven of their last eight league matches. Three consecutive Championship victories have propelled them to within touching distance of the playoff places, which, with a positive result at the Kassam Stadium, they could occupy for the first time this season.
Oxford, meanwhile, is struggling under Gary Rowett, having failed to score in its last four matches during a six-game winless run.
With Lampard now facing welcome selection decisions regarding Wright's reintegration alongside the in-form Ephron Mason-Clark and versatile Jamie Paterson, Coventry looks well-positioned to continue its promotion push and seek a second-ever league double over Oxford.
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