Sky Blues counting cost of absentees

Date published: 21 October 2014


COVENTRY’S Sky Blues have been beaten in five of their last six outings in Sky Bet League One, on the back of a seven-match run without defeat.

It showed how devastating a series of injuries and suspensions can be.

Things started to go wrong for Coventry after their 2-1 defeat at Scunthorpe a month ago.

Imposing centre-back Reda Johnson was dismissed for a head butt that resulted in a three-match ban. An added groin problem has kept him out since.

Elsewhere other key men are missing. Midfield schemer John Fleck has been nursing a groin strain and Danny Pugh came off in the 3-1 loss to Bristol City on Saturday with an ankle problem.

Most crucial is the loss of loan striker Frank Nouble. The former West Ham forward, now with Ipswich, hit two goals, set another up and was a very useful outlet up front during his six appearances before injury a month ago.

Pressley — a former Hearts team-mate of Lee Johnson’s — was concerned after his latest defeat at his team’s inability to cope with a robust approach from opponents.

“The physical aspects were the difference between the two sides — that was evident when you saw the teams line up and I think the outcome was defined on that,” he said.