Neil Harris confirms Cardiff boost ahead of opening clash v Leeds United

Cardiff City boss Neil Harris has confirmed that Lee Tomlin is in the final stage of his recovery as the Bluebirds prepare for their clash with Leeds United.

The fixtures haven't yet been confirmed by the EFL, but it is expected that the Whites will travel to the Welsh capital on the first matchday.

It has already been confirmed by the Welsh government that they are in line with England in regards to sports, meaning the game can go ahead behind-closed-doors.

Harris detailed a fitness update on Tomlin and shared that the forward is on the right track to feature in that game against Marcelo Bielsa's men.

"Yes, he and the players have a twinkle in the eye," he told Cardiff's official website.

"Those who thought they might not play a lot of football certainly see this as a bonus. He has been out a while, has to get over hurdles, mental as well as physical ones, get out onto the pitch, trust your body.

"He's doing that final stage at the moment. He's back in the group and doing the majority of the work. We're hoping to get him some minutes in the friendly fixtures coming up with local sides, which is a positive."

Bielsa will be preparing his squad for a full-strength Cardiff side, knowing that it will not be easy to go and claim all three points.

That is clear, especially after what happened in the reverse fixture this season which finished 3-3 at Elland Road.

Tomlin, in particular, shined in that clash and was one of the main reasons why the Bluebirds managed to turn things around - being involved in two of the goals.

Leeds will need to stop the 31-year-old, who has both scored and assisted seven goals this season - something Bielsa will be aware of.

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