Hatters defender Teden Mengi is likely to miss the remainder of the season with the hamstring injury he sustained against Plymouth last week.
In his pre-match press conference ahead of tomorrow’s Vertu Trophy semi-final against Northampton, manager Jack Wilshere revealed that Gideon Kodua is fit to return after missing Saturday’s draw at Port Vale, defender Mads Andersen trained today and will be assessed after suffering a knock to his foot against Argyle, but Mengi has had to undergo surgery.
“Ted unfortunately has had to have surgery on his hamstring, which is a blow for us because people can see from how much he has played for me, how much I like him as a player and how much I love his personality,” said Wilshere.
“I think of a few big moments in games, Stockport away when he made that big tackle and had the energy to celebrate it. I call it a love for defending, and he’s got that, which you need in this league.
“That’s a blow for us and for him, because he was having a good season in my opinion.”
Asked whether it meant an early end to the 23-year-old’s season, Jack added: “Probably. I’m holding onto a little bit of hope, but it doesn’t look great for him.
"In my opinion, since I’ve been in he’s been really good for me and we’ll wait for him, and if it’s this season, great. If it’s next season, then I look forward to working with him again.”
The manager was also asked about Elijah Adebayo’s progress and whether the striker might be included in tomorrow’s squad as he seeks to up his minutes, following a goalscoring return to action against Cambridge U21s last Tuesday.
“There is a thought on that,” said Jack. “I’ve got some decisions to make regarding the squad. I know the team, but there are some decisions I need to make about the squad.
"Knowing what we’ve got coming up as well, but prioritising this game and being competitive from the start, but also trying to work out the different scenarios that could happen in the game, to try and pick the best squad so players can come on and help us from the bench - either help us see it through or help us get a goal.
“So yes, he is in my thoughts and I really think that game at Cambridge helped him psychologically. It’s always a big step coming back from injury, from my experience, and it is good to feel a game again, get away from the training ground, go and play and be uncomfortable a little bit.
"He’s seen the benefits from that and we’ve seen it in training. So yes, he’s definitely closer and could be on the bench.”
Wilshere also confirmed that goalkeeper James Shea will continue between the sticks, as has been the case in all of the Hatters’ Vertu Trophy games this season.
