Neil Harris delivers major fitness update on key Cardiff man for clash v Leeds
Neil Harris has confirmed that Cardiff City duo Lee Tomlin and Nathaniel Mendez-Laing will be available for the clash against Leeds United.
The Bluebirds played a couple of friendlies against Swansea City on Saturday, with the previously-injured pair stepping up their recovery.
Leeds travel to the Welsh capital on Sunday afternoon as they restart their Championship season looking to seal promotion to the Premier League.
Harris did share that he isn’t certain at what level they will be able to participate, which could suggest they won’t be able to start.
“Both have played in both games, slightly varied minutes,” he told Wales Online.
“They both – as we stand – got through today fine, unless there is any reaction in the coming days. Both will be available for Leeds – at what level is debatable for a week or two. But certainly, both are available for squad selection next week.”
The return of Tomlin is certainly a massive boost to Harris. The former-Millwall boss has breathed a new lease of life into the playmaker this season.
The 31-year-old has the most shots on goal per game in the Cardiff squad according to WhoScored and has been involved in 14 goals – seven more than the second-most Junior Hoilett.
Leeds will want revenge from the 3-3 draw in the reverse fixture at Elland Road back in December. Tomlin was influential in that game scoring and assisting a goal.
Mendez-Laing didn’t have as good of a game in that draw, but he did manage two key passes for Harris’ men.
Either way, this break has allowed the Bluebirds to welcome back some of their strongest players, something that could make this trip much harder.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites have no need to be worried as promotion rival sends a warning