Cambridge United set to make decision on future of Crystal Palace attacker John-Kymani Gordon and Ipswich Town striker Gassan Ahadme next week
A decision on the futures of Cambridge United’s two loan players is set to be made next week.
For Crystal Palace youngster John-Kymani Gordon, Saturday’s trip to Blackburn Rovers in the Emirates FA Cup could prove to be his final appearance as part of a U’s squad.
His temporary switch to United is due to end this month and while there is scope for that to be extended until the end of the campaign, it is looking increasingly likely that the 20-year-old will return to his parent club.
Gordon has struggled for pitch-time since joining United and he was an unused substitute during Monday’s 2-0 loss to Leyton Orient, with head coach Neil Harris revealing after the final whistle that he had been disappointed with the attacker’s attitude in the days leading up to the game.
Those issues have since been resolved and while Gordon will be a part of the travelling party that heads to Blackburn, a final decision on the next step is forthcoming.
Harris said: “He’d had a disappointing week, which is out of character. When I was asked the question I thought it was important that I answered it honestly.
“I’ve spoken to John at length in person, brilliant, we get on great.
“He’s had a frustrating and disappointing loan from his perspective and we’ve agreed to talk again after Saturday.
“We’ve addressed the issues that got us into the position on Monday where he didn’t come off the bench and he’s been magnificent the last couple of days in training, really good.
“He will be involved with us at the weekend and we look forward to having him available.”
Gassan Ahadme, meanwhile, joined United on a season-long agreement last summer and he enjoyed a positive start to Harris’ tenure, scoring four goals in three appearances.
However, the centre-forward has suffered a fractured foot and he is now awaiting the results of a second consultation that will determine the length of his absence – the outcome of which will decide if he remains at United or heads back to his parent club Ipswich Town.
Harris, who revealed today that the club has lodged ‘a couple’ of offers to bring in more players on loan, added: “I love Gassan. He’s a cracking lad and a proper pro. He’s done unbelievably well in my first three games and I’m so, so pleased to be working with him.
“He’s a loan player and we’ll be dictated to by a certain degree by Ipswich’s expectations and demands.
“If he stays with us until the end of the season then so be it, great. If he’s fit by the end of March or beginning of April and he can get some proper time, it will be a great opportunity for us.
“But if Ipswich would like him back and recall him then we also understand that as well.
“We’ll work with Ipswich for what’s best for Gassan and ultimately (listen to) what Gassan wants as well.
“I know he’s loved it here. He’s loved working in our culture, our environment and at the football club. He’s been well received by our supporters and I’ve hit it off with him straight away.
“I spoke to Ipswich a couple of weeks ago, the day before he got injured. It was about how he was getting on, how happy he was and how happy we were with him. That was all in line, perfect, Gassan was here until the end of the season and developing well.
“Now it will be a case of waiting on Gassan’s specialist appointment, which has been delayed until Monday. Once he’s had that, it will give the opportunity to our medical staff and Ipswich’s medical staff to make an informed decision.
“How long will he realistically be out? If that’s going to run until the end of the season then I’m sure Ipswich will want to take Gassan back. But if Gassan is going to be available for us – certainly by the end of March – then we’ve got to seriously think about wanting to keep him around.”