Diallo in new injury blow

BRADLEY DIALLO

BRADLEY Diallo's comeback appearance for Athletic was a brief one. The French left-back, who has been missing for two-and-a-half months as a result of a hamstring tear, succumbed to a pelvic problem early in a reserves Manchester Senior Cup penalties defeat to Bolton.

While it is good news that the 21-year-old's new injury is unrelated, the setback does Diallo no favours in terms of getting his place back in the first-team squad.

After signing a five-month contract in mid-August, Diallo served a three-match suspension for a red card picked up in a home draw with Huddersfield Town — his full debut for Athletic. He has started only two further games since then, the second of which saw him sustain a torn hamstring in the opening few minutes of a Johnstone's Paint Trophy tie at Scunthorpe.

Diallo's fellow full-backs Kieran Lee (ankle) and Paul Black (groin) were missing through injury for the game at Charlton at the weekend, when David Mellor and Josh Parker stepped in as replacements. Carl Winchester can also be added to that list, after hurting his left ankle in the Bolton game. The full Northern Ireland international departed Chapel Road with his foot in a protective casing, while James Tarkowski left the field in the final quarter after receiving treatment for a knock.

Ryan Brooke and Andrea Mancini missed with their spot-kicks as Athletic lost the shoot-out 4-2 after an encouraging display against the Premier League club’s second string.

The game finished goalless after 90 minutes, Lee Duxbury’s men coping well with a Wanderers side including ex-Athletic striker Tom Eaves, David Wheater, Sam Ricketts and Sean Davis.

Kirk Millar hit the crossbar with a first-half shot for the home side.



Liverpool’s Luis Suarez may yet be available to play against Athletic in the third round of the FA Cup.

The striker was yesterday given an eight-match ban by the FA after being found guilty of racially abusing Patrice Evra.

The punishment is suspended for 14 days pending an appeal, which appears certain given a strongly-worded statement issued by Liverpool backing their player. The subsequent hearing could then take place after the Anfield tie, which would leave the Uruguay striker available to play on January 6.