Cambridge United injury update: Jordan Cousins, Ryan Loft, Gary Gardner and Elias Kachunga all closing in on returns fitness

While a number of those on the sidelines are closing in on a return to action, Cambridge United are unlikely to have any of their injured players available for tomorrow’s Sky Bet League One trip to Mansfield Town.

Jordan Cousins is perhaps the closest to being involved having returned to training at the start of the international break, but new signings Gary Gardner and Kell Watts – along with Elias Kachunga – are likely to still be a couple of weeks away.

Another summer recruit – Ryan Loft – has made good progress in his recovery but his training minutes have been limited this week following the birth of his first child.

“Ryan, because of the week he has had, will probably not be in a position where he is available for the game – understandably,” said U’s head coach Garry Monk.

“Jordan has been back out for all of the international break and Gary is returning to pitch-based stuff but is not quite into the training yet fully.

“Kach is back on the grass and not quite into training yet, so we’re probably looking at next week or the week after for those guys to return.

“Kell is about two weeks away from returning to training. It’s a slight hamstring strain so we’re waiting for that and hopefully he’ll return soon.”

Young midfielder George Hoddle has also restarted training following an injury that he picked up during pre-season, but Glenn McConnell is continuing to nurse an ankle complaint.

There is also no current return date for Taylor Richards, who joined the club on loan during the summer from Queens Park Rangers.

The attacking midfielder has aggravated an old thigh injury that is likely to keep him out of action for some time.

“Timescale wise I’m not really sure, but it is a longer term one. It’s not any time soon, put it that way,” added Monk.

International players Shayne Lavery, Connor O’Riordan and Sullay Kaikai have all returned to the club without any issues.