Neil Harris provides update on key Cardiff City duo ahead of Leeds United test

KEY Cardiff City duo Lee Tomlin and Nathaniel Mendez-Laing are both available to face Leeds United having initially been ruled out for the rest of the season.
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Forward Tomlin's 2019-20 campaign was thought to be over after the 31-year-old injured his knee in training in February on the back of an impressive start under Harris that featured seven goals and seven assists in the current term.

Winger Mendez-Laing, meanwhile, was also ruled out for the remainder of the season after rupturing his hamstring in the clash against Sheffield Wednesday at the end of December.

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Yet the 15-week pause in play due to the country's battle against coronavirus has enabled both players to recover with Tomlin and Mendez-Laing both featuring in Cardiff's two friendly games against Swansea City on Saturday.

SECOND CHANCE: For Cardiff City forward Lee Tomlin, pictured in January's clash against Reading. Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images.SECOND CHANCE: For Cardiff City forward Lee Tomlin, pictured in January's clash against Reading. Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images.
SECOND CHANCE: For Cardiff City forward Lee Tomlin, pictured in January's clash against Reading. Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images.

"Both have played in both games, slightly varied minutes," said Harris.

"Both are ever so excited and feel lucky to be back and playing these games because they did not think they were going to be involved in the majority of them.

"So they are really pleased to be back. I am really pleased as a manager and our fan base will be to see our most creative players available.

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"They both - as we stand - got through fine, unless there is any reaction in the coming days.

"Both will be available for Leeds - at what level is debatable for a week or two. But certainly both are available for squad selection next week."

Harris had already revealed that defender Jazz Richards is likely to miss the clash against Leeds having injured his calf on a road run when he and the rest of the Bluebirds squad were training in isolation during the coronavirus lockdown.

Ireland international defender Greg Cunningham will also not feature against the Whites despite having made huge progress since injuring his ACL whilst on loan at Blackburn Rovers back in October.

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"Greg Cunningham won't be available for Leeds," Harris added.

"Greg is still a little bit away from the training group.

"But we are hoping to have him back in training later this week, which is a real positive moving forward because he is a wonderful character."

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