Cambridge United’s Lavery Nears Return from Injury

Cambridge United’s manager, Garry Monk, will make a final determination regarding striker Shayne Lavery’s availability for Saturday’s derby match against Peterborough United. Lavery joined Cambridge after his release from Blackpool. The Northern Ireland international has been sidelined since September 14, when he suffered a hamstring injury during the 2-1 loss to Mansfield Town. Nevertheless, Lavery is expected to soon rejoin the U’s squad, which has seen a resurgence, securing victories in their last four league and cup fixtures. Speaking to BBC Radio Cambridgeshire, Monk stated, “He’s in training but it’s modified training. He looks fit and well but we’ll have to make the right call coming into the weekend and see where he’s at.” Monk further elaborated, “He’s training really well, feeling no effects from the training but it’s quite a period of time he’s been out so it’s just a case of whether his fitness is ready for that type of intensity.” Lavery, who has earned 19 international caps, has made six appearances for Cambridge since his summer arrival, scoring both of his goals in a 4-4 draw against his previous team, Blackpool. Additionally, forward Ryan Loft is undergoing assessment following his recovery from a dead leg, with Monk expressing greater optimism about his inclusion in the squad for the match against Posh. The 27-year-old made his season debut on September 28, having previously sustained an ankle injury during pre-season training. Monk commented, “He’s more frustrated than anyone. He was just getting back into the rhythm of it, involved in some of the games, building his fitness and then a really unfortunate knock in the area he’s got it.” He added, “You normally get dead legs on the front of your legs, and to get it in the hamstring area, it’s obviously quite an acute area and you feel it much more when you’re running.” Concluding on Loft’s status, Monk stated, “He’ll be in full training on Wednesday and should be available for the weekend.”