Cardiff City have been handed a timely boost with striker Yousef Salech back on the training pitch following his neck ligament injury, though head coach Brian Barry-Murphy has made it clear there will be no rush.
The 24-year-old has been sidelined since damaging ligaments in his neck during the 1-1 draw with Stockport County on 24 January. Although scans confirmed the injury was not serious, it has required cautious management, keeping him out of training until this week.
Barry-Murphy confirmed Salech has resumed light work, but stressed the importance of a gradual reintegration.
“He’s back on the pitch today doing some running and then to see how he progresses from there before he re-enters training with the team.”
“It’s step by step and we’re still keen not to put any timescales on it, due to the nature of what he’s gone through and what he likely will experience in his return to play.”
“He’s in really good spirits. If the running goes well today and continues next week, at some stage he re-enters into training with the team, things can progress pretty quickly.”
Cardiff have coped impressively in Salech’s absence, tightening their grip on top spot in League One with four wins and a draw since his injury. Omari Kellyman has stepped up effectively, while competition at the top end of the pitch remains fierce with Isaak Davies and Callum Robinson also in contention.
There was further positive news ahead of Saturday’s trip to Plymouth Argyle. Gabriel Osho is expected to be available after missing the midweek win over AFC Wimbledon, while Davies remains a doubt as he continues through concussion protocols.
“In Gabriel’s case, it should be pretty straightforward. Isaak less so, just going to see how he reacts to his first exposure with the team and take it from there.”
With Cardiff sitting top of the table and managing both expectation and squad fitness, Barry-Murphy’s caution is understandable. Neck injuries are not to be gambled with, particularly when the bigger prize remains in sight.
Cardiff exercise restraint
Cardiff’s handling of Salech feels like the right blend of ambition and restraint. Too often in promotion races, clubs gamble on key players returning ahead of schedule, particularly when the finish line appears close. Barry-Murphy’s refusal to attach timescales suggests long-term thinking rather than short-term desperation.
The reality is that Cardiff have proven they can win League One matches without him, which gives them breathing room. When Salech does return, he could be arriving fresh at exactly the right moment. In a tight promotion race, timing can be everything, and Cardiff may ultimately benefit from patience now rather than panic.
