Coventry City will go in search of their first ever league win at Deepdale when they get back to Championship action this weekend, with a lunchtime kick-off at Preston North End.
The Sky Blues signed off the international break with a thoroughly disappointing 2-1 CBS Arena defeat by Sheffield Wednesday so will be looking to bounce back after plenty of work on the training ground to iron out on-going deficiencies from the team’s stuttering start to the 2024/25 season.
With just eight points on the board from their opening nine league matches, Mark Robins and his players need a pick-me-up from their next block of games that include away trips to QPR and Middlesbrough either side of a home game against surprise early season strugglers, Luton Town. But first up is the task of brushing aside North End at one of the club’s official bogey grounds.
With such an important period on the horizon, Robins will need to be able to rely on as many members of his squad as possible. Injury issues have stacked up in recent weeks, but it is hoped at least one of those currently on the injury list will be available for the clash with the Lilywhites.
What’s been said: The popular Japanese winger doesn’t seem to be able to catch a break, having already been sidelined for two and a half weeks with an ankle injury in early September this season, having been out for almost three months with broken bones in his back, coincidentally, after playing Preston last February. His latest setback came in the opening minutes against Blackburn Rovers when Tyrhys Dolan’s studs caught his leg, inflicting a deep cut that required eight stitches. Robins said: “It’s a nasty, nasty gash. He’s sliced through his thigh.”
Return date: Due back in the matchday squad this weekend to face Preston