Central defender Luke Woolfenden returns to action in this morning’s U23s game at Crewe Alexandra with the Blues again fielding a very strong second string line-up also including Emyr Huws, Teddy Bishop, Andre Dozzell, Ben Morris, Danny Rowe and Josh Emmanuel (KO 11am, Gresty Road).
Woolfenden suffered a knee injury in the opening game of the season against Blackburn and had been expected to be out for up to six weeks.
The 19-year-old might well be required to be involved in Sunday’s derby against Norwich City with Toto Nsiala currently facing a three-match bad for Saturday’s red card, although the Blues are expected to appeal. The deadline for lodging an appeal is Tuesday.
Town could also add another central defender to their squad before Friday’s deadline with Blackpool’s Curtis Tilt and AFC Wimbledon’s Deji Oshilaja among those interesting Blues boss Paul Hurst.
Tristan Nydam, who is close to joining St Johnstone on loan, is not involved in today's game.
U23s: Wright, Emmanuel, Clements (c), Huws, Woolfenden, Ndaba, Rowe, Bishop, Morris, Dozzell, Lankester. Subs: Crowe, Ware, Folami, McLoughlin, McKendry.