Cambridge United winger Medy Elito returns to training

U's injury list is clearing

Shaun Derry has received a boost with the return to training of Medy Elito.

The winger has missed Cambridge United’s last six games with a knee injury, but he was back on the training ground today (Thursday).

The weekend’s home clash with Portsmouth may come too early for the 26-year-old, but it means that bar long-term injury absentees Barry Corr and Elliot Omozusi, the U’s have an empty treatment room.

“It’s the first time really where we’ve seen a little bit of light at the end of the tunnel,” said manager Derry.

“Medy has made his way back onto the training field, albeit only the last day, but having missed the vast majority of five weeks – having been fully on top of his game – it was a big loss for us.

“George Maris has started his first week’s training which is a great positive for us as well.

“It’s the first time when I can really look at the squad and say, aside from Barry Corr and Elliot Omozusi, we’re looking to have the majority of our players available.

“I think this weekend could possibly be too early for Medy and George, but coming up into the next group of games it will be great to have the full quota of players available because we’ve not had them.”

Conor Newton returns to the fold after missing the 2-1 win at Exeter after his partner gave birth to their daughter.

But Luke Berry is absent for the Portsmouth match as he serves a one-match ban after picking up five yellow cards.

“It’s horrible when one of your most influential players isn’t available,” said Derry. “He had a great game last week and was probably one of the catalysts to why we started the game so well.

“Losing Luke Berry through suspension is a loss. But I keep saying, one door shuts another one opens and it gives an opportunity for somebody else to be that talisman that Luke Berry has been.”