‘A small calf injury’ – Frank Lampard shares good news on Bobby Thomas

The Sky Blues boss was speaking ahead of Saturday’s clash with Sunderland and the very first question he faced was about the injury that forced Thomas off in last weekend’s defeat to Fulham. He delivered the news that all Coventry fans wanted to hear.

‘He’s got a small calf issue,’ he said. ‘We’re not sure about this weekend, we’ll see, we’ve got another 48 hours but the injury is hopefully not a terrible one.’

Lampard was later asked whether Thomas’ short-term absence could open the door for on-loan defender Stephen Mfuni.

‘He’s shown in the moments that he’s played and he’s shown around the building that he’s a fantastic young player,’ Lampard replied. ‘He can play in different positions. He’s nicely confident, nicely humble and a talented boy.’

The news that Bobby Thomas should be back sooner rather than later will be a big lift to Sky Blues fans. His performance in the 4-1 win over Newcastle earlier this month led Jamie Carragher to compare Thomas to ‘a prime 2005 John Terry.’

It certainly has been an excellent season for Bobby so far on a personal front.

Mfuni, meanwhile, will be chomping at the bit for his chance. He has looked excellent when called upon and it just so happens that the three players who play in his positions (Thomas and Ethan Pinnock at centre half and Jay Dasilva at left back) have been some of the club’s top performers this season, meaning that the Manchester City teenager has had to be patient.

It looks like he may well get his chance at the CBS on Saturday against Sunderland.