Somehow, you knew Dave Jones preaching how Cardiff had a "bigger, better squad" was not just pushing reality a tad but was always likely to smack him back.
Not yet 1 month into the season and City have not only an injury crisis but few options in key positions.
DEFENCE
At left back, Tony Capaldi appears to be making progress from an injury which has forced him out of current Northern Ireland squads but City are struggling for cover if he is unavailable next week. On the right, Chris Gunter has been out of sorts covering for Kevin McNaughton and found himself hauled off at Norwich to be replaced by midfielder Darcy Blake.
At centre-half, Darren Pure is absent injured having had an operation and news is awaited on whether Roger Johnson could be absent too after a knock at Carrow Road. There are no other recognised first team sqaud centre-halves at the club.
MIDFIELD
A huge blow as Riccy Scimeca limped out of a reserve friendly comeback game against The Wurzels on Tuesday, straight back to the operating table, and out for another few weeks. This is now the 3rd(?) breakdown Scimeca has had with the same problem. Is it time to start worrying about his future altogether? Let'as hope not but playing a handful of games through the pain barrier in March remains Scimeca's only meaningful action in almost 7 months. It leaves Gavin Rae and Steve McPhail and the only specialist central midfielders with just kids to cover them.
STRIKERS
Steve MacLean, like Scimeca, hobbled out of the home 5-1 reserve crushing against a more experienced Tractor Driving team in the first 15 months before with a more severe injury, ankle ligaments. He is expected to be absent until December which leaves Dave Jones with no reserve strikers either available or he would like to use. Thommo, still officially transfer listed, is another month away, Feeney is at The Jacks (and should stay there!) whilst Byrne and Green are players he wants away, permanently or on loan at present.
DJ has hinted that he will have to find emergency loan players but, unless he does that, our back up strength is as bare as ever.
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