Coventry City boss Frank Lampard watches on from the touchline
Coventry City boss Frank Lampard watches on from the touchline(Image: Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
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Coventry City boss Frank Lampard faces his former employers on Friday night as he looks to take another step towards the Premier League with victory over Derby County.
The Sky Blues have seven matches remaining to secure their top-flight comeback, 25 years since their relegation from English football's premier division.
Sitting nine points ahead of second-placed Middlesbrough, they are excellently positioned to achieve promotion as champions.
Initially, they face Derby County at the CBS Arena on Good Friday (8pm) before travelling to Hull City on Easter Monday, also with an 8pm kick-off - both scheduled for television broadcast.
The manner in which Lampard's side secured their 3-0 victory at Swansea last time out without top scorer Haji Wright and influential midfielder Jack Rudoni demonstrates the squad's considerable depth.
Both players are expected to return shortly to help guide the club across the finishing line, alongside several internationals currently away on duty this week. Here's an examination of their respective recovery timelines.
Brandon Thomas-Asante
Injury: Unspecified
What's been said: The striker pulled out of Ghana's squad for the nation's friendly fixtures away to Austria and Germany. Reports from Ghana suggested that the forward was "forced off in the 62nd minute (against Swansea) after suffering an injury." The precise details of the injury and its severity have not been disclosed, nor whether the withdrawal is primarily precautionary. Writing on Instagram, Thomas-Asante shared: "Frustrating to miss out on camp with the team, which is always an honour I hold highly.
"Upon collaborative advice of both Ghana and Coventry, I'll focus on maintaining my fitness for an important few months for both club and country."
Return date: Unclear but hoped to be Derby County (Friday)
Haji Wright
Injury: groin strain
What's been said: Lampard stated on Friday (March 20): "He's doing OK, he won't be fit for Swansea and he won't travel to America to play the international games, but we're hopeful he'll be fit after the international break."
Return date: Derby County (Good Friday).
Jack Rudoni
Injury: calf
What's been said: Rudoni has missed the previous four fixtures with a calf strain but Lampard was 'hopeful' that the attacking midfielder would resume training this week.
Return date: Derby County (Good Friday)