Former Aston Villa and Birmingham City midfielder Gary Gardner pencilled in for first Cambridge United appearance in February

Gary Gardner is not expected to be involved for Cambridge United until February.

The midfielder has not kicked a ball for the U’s since his summer arrival from Birmingham City due to a combination of Achilles and toe injuries.

His recovery has been plagued by setbacks – and now the club’s head of medical Ryan Meredith has revealed that the 32-year-old is working towards a debut in the new year.

Meredith wrote in the matchday programme ahead of tonight’s League One clash at home against Huddersfield Town: “Gary Gardner has now been deloaded for five weeks and has begun to increase his calf loading over the past fortnight.

“He has been able to increase his calf loading and incline treadmill walking over the last week, with an introduction to force absorption exercises.

“He will also complete jump testing on Sunday, with a view to start pitch-based running if testing allows.

“Should things progress in the way that we hope, Gary should be able to return to the team around February and play for a significant stretch of the season still.”

Meredith also confirmed that Paul Digby and James Gibbons are making good progress in their respective recoveries from injury.