First Team

Doughty returns to squad for Oxford

Wing-back in contention but game comes too soon for Chong and Lamine Fanne

Alfie Doughty on the ball looking for a pass.

The Hatters will welcome back Alfie Doughty into the squad for Tuesday’s trip to Oxford United.

Matt Bloomfield explained at his Monday press conference that the wing-back, who has been missing since sustaining ankle ligament damage in the 2-1 win over Cardiff in early November, will travel to the Kassam Stadium.

“He’s in the squad but is not ready to start,” said the Hatters new boss. “He’s a good player and we’ve missed him but he’s looked sharp on the grass.

“However, we’ve got to safely and securely manage his time out and be responsible with that.”

The game will come too soon for midfielder Tahith Chong as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury.

“He’s not back on the grass yet but we hope that’s as soon as possible,” said Bloomfield. “It’s a shame because he’s someone we looked forward to working with.”

Lamine Fanne is closer to a return but his return is “not imminent” after he limped out of the FA Cup defeat at Nottingham Forest.

The Hatters head to Oxford aiming to end a run of 11 successive away defeats but buoyed by a point and clean sheet against Preston in the boss’ first game in charge at the weekend.

“We were in yesterday [Sunday] and we’ve debriefed and prepared for tomorrow and the lads have been very receptive,” said Bloomfield.

“I felt, watching it back, there was an identity in the performance that was a step into the direction we want to go.

“Out of possession, I was really pleased. I’d suggest we’ll have sterner tests but obviously we want to have more of goal a threat going forward.

“We want to continue and build on Saturday’s performance.”

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