Peterborough United face a tough decision over centre back Gaby Zakuani following the toe injury he sustained during the recent defeat at Cardiff.
Zakuani has been plagued with the injury throughout this season but everyone at the club thought he had overcome the injury. However, he had a set back during training last week and was unable to complete the first half against Cardiff.
He now requires an operation to sort out the injury but with limited resources at the club, he may be required to play through the pain barrier for the rest of the season and have pain killing injections to get him through each game.
Posh soon lose the services of England Under 21 centre back Ryan Bennett who signed for Norwich on transfer deadline day but was immediately loaned back to Posh for a month. They have brought in two defenders on loan recently though. Matt Briggs from Fulham is a left back but can play at centre back while Shaun Brisley has this week completed his loan signing that will see him stay at Posh for the remainder of the season before a potential permanent deal is put in place.
However, Posh boss Darren Ferguson has already confirmed that it wouldn`t be fair to pitch Brisley straight into the Championship relegation battle that face the team on Saturday when fourth from bottom Bristol City travel to London Road.
‘It’s a big ask for a young boy like him to come straight into the Championship. ‘ Said Ferguson.
With Bennett going to Norwich, Gaby possibly being out injured and Brisley not ready for the Championship, Fergie faces a centre back crisis.
‘I’ve said many times that perhaps we’re looking for another centre-half with more experience when Benno goes.
‘If Gabby’s injured for a long time now it does give me a problem.’
On the positive side, the injury to Zakuani won`t get any worse if he does play on with the assistance of pain injections. New boy Brisley is also confident he can do a good job for Posh if he gets the nod from Fergie. Brisley said: “I`m here to play in the first team and it might be best to make a debut straight away rather than waiting a while.
‘I`ve played every game for Macclesfield this season so there`s no problem with my match fitness.
‘The big step up in standard would be more of an issue, but adrenalin would probably get me through a couple of matches.
‘It`s a big game for sure, but if I was asked to play I`d prepare like I do for every game. I`d be quite relaxed I hope!
‘My aim is to play a few first team games this season and then have a real push for next season. ‘
UP THE POSH Follow me on Twitter: @mwl1967
Photos courtesy of www.theposhpics.com
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