Injuries Strike Cardiff City Hard Ahead of 2024-25 Season Opener Against Sunderland

Cardiff City is facing a daunting start to the 2024-25 season as injuries to key players Isaak Davies, Jamilu Collins, and Kion Etete threaten to derail the squad's early ambitions. The Bluebirds’ head coach, Erol Bulut, confirmed that all three players will be sidelined for significant periods following their absence in a recent 2-0 pre-season victory over Bristol Rovers. In his comments to BBC Sport Wales, Bulut provided clarity on the extent of the injuries, revealing that Davies, a promising Wales Under-21 international, is expected to miss around four months due to his setback. Meanwhile, Nigerian left-back Collins faces a three-month recovery, and forward Etete is likely to be out for six to eight weeks. The injuries are a significant blow to Cardiff City, who had hoped to build momentum ahead of their opener against Sunderland. The absence of Davies, Collins, and Etete not only depletes the squad's depth but also puts additional pressure on the remaining players to step up in their absence. While Bulut acknowledged the difficulties posed by these injuries, he also emphasized the unpredictable nature of football. "These were the negative things, but football is like this," he remarked, underscoring the need for resilience and adaptability within the squad. As the Bluebirds prepare to face Sunderland, questions loom over who will fill the gaps left by the injured trio. The club and its supporters will be keen to see how Bulut manages the situation and whether the remaining players can rise to the occasion in what promises to be a challenging start to the season. The hope remains that, while the initial phase of the campaign may be rocky, the return of Davies, Collins, and Etete will bolster Cardiff City’s efforts as they aim for a successful season in the Championship.