FRANK Lampard admits Coventry City captain Ben Sheaf could return to the squad for this weekend’s game against Preston North End.
Sheaf has not featured for the Sky Blues since suffering a muscle injury against Norwich City at the start of January.
However, Lampard expects the midfielder to return to the squad in the near future.
And Lampard also revealed forward Haji Wright has turned a corner in his recovery from an ankle ligament injury.
Lampard said: “Haji is going well, he’s turned a corner and is training with us, now it’s about getting his match fitness up to be ready to be able to contribute on the pitch.
“I know he is an important player. I haven’t seen him for us, but I know what he is, so he’s very close.
“Ben is probably a little bit ahead of Haji, purely because of less time out and match fitness, so he could be in the squad this week or next.”
The return to fitness of Ephron Mason-Clark and the free transfer signing of Jamie Paterson has bolstered the options available to Lampard.
And the City boss believes Wright’s imminent return from injury will further strengthen his in-game options.
Lampard added: “We’re getting back to a place where we have [competition for places]. We haven’t had it at times if I’m honest, especially when Ephron got injured as well, Haji was already out.
“You need in this physical league, in-game chances to impact games. We did it last week against Sheffield Wednesday, we could make three subs in one go that bring energy and quality into the team.
“I’m not going to complain about having it, it’s a really positive thing and it gives me options in different ways because of the adaptability of Haji, Ephron and Pato.”
