Jordan Cousins is set to return to the Cambridge United squad for this weekend’s home Sky Bet League One clash against Derby County.
The midfielder has made 37 appearances this term across all competitions for the U’s – his highest return since the 2015/16 campaign when he turned out on 42 occasions for Charlton Athletic in Championship.
He was absent from the United side that lost 1-0 to Bristol Rovers on Tuesday night, but head coach Garry Monk has revealed that he took the opportunity to rest the 30-year-old ahead of the promotion-hunting Rams travelling to the Cledara Abbey Stadium on Saturday.
Monk said: “He’s fit and available. Jordan has been fantastic this season and I think it’s the most games he’s played for a long time.
“You’ve got to be careful at this stage of the season - they’re all carrying niggles and stuff like that. You’ve got to manage the squad and players the best you can.
“Knowing what’s ahead, Jordan is fine with that.”
Captain Michael Morrison is likely to be absent once again having not featured since last month’s 4-0 defeat at Reading because of a knee problem.
However, Monk was more positive about the prospect of striker Lyle Taylor returning to the fold. The forward has not played since limping off in the 2-0 win at Barnsley on Good Friday.
Monk added: “Morro probably not but we’ll assess him tomorrow. He’s back out on the grass and so is Lyle. I’m more hopeful with Lyle.
“We’ve got a last training (session) tomorrow so we’ll make a decision after that.”
Goalkeeper Jack Stevens – who like Morrison has been sidelined since the Reading loss - as a chance of being back in the squad for Derby’s visit, with final checks still needing to be made on his hamstring injury.
If the clash with Derby comes too soon, then the home game against Wycombe Wanderers on Tuesday should mark his return.
