Michael Gash is struggling with an ankle injury

U’s must be patient with striker’s recovery

STRIKER Michael Gash looks set to miss Cambridge United’s FA Trophy tie with AFC Telford on Saturday.

Gash failed a late fitness test on an ankle injury ahead of Tuesday’s 1-0 defeat to Grimsby, and manager Jez George said the 25-year-old has been unable to join full training this week.

He said: “We pushed Michael to be fit on Tuesday, but I’m a little less confident for Saturday because we’ve got to be really careful with him because he’s an important player for us.

“There’s some tendon damage as well as bruising around the ankle and Greg Reid is urging a bit of caution because if it becomes inflamed we’ll end up with an injury taking longer.

“He’s doing a lot of running in the pool, and we’ll just have to assess it later in the week. But we’ve got to be pragmatic because miss one, play ten is better than play one, miss ten.”

If Gash doesn’t make it, Liam Hughes will continue in attack. George has yet to decide whether to stick with Adam Marriott, who has started the last four games, or recall Rossi Jarvis and push Luke Berry into a more advanced role.

“Luke gives us different things from Maz, who was a bit quiet on Tuesday night,” said George. “With that selection we’ll decide on the next couple of days depending how the players fare in training.”

Jordan Patrick could return if an injection to clear up a groin injury has been successful. If it fails, the winger may need surgery to cure the problem. Skipper Michael Wylde went under the knife today in London due to his groin injury, and is expected to be on the sidelines for six weeks.

Telford are managed by U’s legend, and former England winger, Andy Sinton. The Bucks have been active in the transfer market since the January transfer window opened, recruiting the likes of striker Kyle Perry and experienced defender Chris Blackburn.

“When you think about how committed we are to our youth scheme, and you get someone like Andy who’s come through at this club and gone on to play for England and in the Premier League, it’s an inspiration for our young players,” said George.

“They’ve changed things around, but we know the players who’ve come in so it’s not like we’re going in completely blind. I think it’s a case that we’re at home and need to concentrate on what we do well. We had a great start here on Tuesday night and we need to maintain those levels for longer.