Ledley KingLedley King and Jermaine Jenas look like they’re heading on their way back from injury, however French youngster Dorian Dervite will be out for quite some time after suffering a tear in his anterior cruciate ligament during a reserve match.
King, who has missed the last three matches due to a bruised foot, told the club’s official website: “I’ve been working in the gym with weights and on the bike and it has been alright. I’ve worn the boot at home, but have now been told I don’t need to anymore so that is good news.
“I’ll be back soon and it is improving quickly.”
He added: “It was building up gradually, just a feeling at the sole of my foot that wasn’t right. It is something I have felt before and I knew what would happen next. I spoke to the physios, went for a scan and it was right that I rested when I did.
“There are plenty of good games to be involved in and everyone in the squad wants to play. Competition for places is fierce, which is good and keeps everyone on their toes.
“There is a lot to look forward to at the moment and players who are out want to get back as soon as possible.”
Jenas has missed 10 games with a damaged ankle and will unfortunately be missing again on Sunday. The midfielder said: “I’ve started long-distance running and running side-to-side, the short, sharp movements, twisting and turning. I started that at a low intensity on Saturday, tried again on Tuesday and it’s feeling a lot better.”
He added: “I was looking forward to the game at Newcastle from the start of the season but an injury comes along and it’s something you can’t control.
“I’ll miss it again on Sunday and that’s one of the things I’ve had to deal with.
“It’s not been easy, I go to the matches but I’m not a great watcher of games when I’m out, full-stop.
“It’s been great to see the lads pick up points in the league and continue to do well in the cups and I’m eager to get back involved again. I’ll be there for the second half of the season.”
On Dervite, manager Martin Jol said: “Dorian gave a very good account of himself against Port Vale in the Carling Cup and I felt he was almost there in terms of making the breakthrough,” said Martin Jol. We hope he makes a speedy return and I’m sure he will come back stronger.”