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Cambridge United to have Paul Digby, James Gibbons and captain Michael Morrison back for League One clash against Mansfield Town




Paul Digby and James Gibbons are set to return to the Cambridge United squad for Saturday lunchtime’s League One home clash against Mansfield Town.

Midfielder Digby has missed United’s last 15 games in all competitions with a calf injury that he sustained during the EFL Trophy clash with Chelsea Under-21s, while versatile defender Gibbons has not featured since the 6-1 defeat at Peterborough United on 9 November due to a knee problem.

However, having taken a full part in training so far this week, both players will be available for selection this weekend.

Cambridge United midfielder Paul Digby will return to the squad at the weekend. Picture: Simon Lankester
Cambridge United midfielder Paul Digby will return to the squad at the weekend. Picture: Simon Lankester

Captain Michael Morrison will also be back involved after serving a one-match suspension but Jubril Okedina (ankle) will miss out despite returning to training today.

Head coach Garry Monk said: “We’ve had a boost with Diggers and Gibbo – they’re back in training. They’ve had a really good week of training.

“Jubril has trained today but really it will be next week when he’s back into full training properly and Morro is obviously back from suspension.

James Gibbons has not played for Cambridge United since the defeat at Peterborough United. Picture: Simon Lankester
James Gibbons has not played for Cambridge United since the defeat at Peterborough United. Picture: Simon Lankester

“That’s four big characters and big personalities with big experience coming back into the group, which is a real positive for us.

“You can see it already – the way that they lead and the characters they are within the group.”

The U’s head into the Mansfield game sitting bottom of League One after being leapfrogged by a Burton Albion side that won 2-1 at Wigan Athletic earlier this week.

September’s reverse fixture at Field Mill was arguably one of Cambridge’s better performances of the season, yet their efforts ultimately went unrewarded in what was a 2-1 defeat.

Monk added: “We played them in a period where they were flying and had a really strong start to the season. We went up there and put on a really good performance and we felt it was a game we should have won.

“Certain circumstances conspired against us and we all know with Shayne (Lavery) and the non-penalty and in the last minute it was cleared off the line from SK (Sullay Kaikai).

“But we put on a really good performance and it was something I’ve said too many times this season – the big bulk of the game was in a good place for us and we had the opportunities to take the points but we didn’t.

“Nigel (Clough, Mansfield manager) has done a fantastic job there. They haven’t stayed as strong as the first half (of the season), but that good start has put them in a good position.

“They’ve got a real energy and physicality to the team, but we’re at home and we know what the task is. We have to go after it and that’s what we’re determined to do.”



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