Confirmed team news: Super Eagles defender Collins might miss Cardiff City v Southampton

Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Thursday ahead of the visit of Southampton, Cardiff City manager Erol Bulut confirmed that Jamilu Collins is unlikely to be involved in the Championship clash at the Cardiff City Stadium. 

The Super Eagles defender went the distance in the last game played by the Bluebirds, a 3-1 away loss to Millwall.

Collins' participation in the matchday 44 fixture is uncertain due to a groin injury he is still recuperating from.

Cardiff City are facing an injury crisis at the moment with as many as twelve players rated as doubtful for the clash with the Saints due to various injuries, including former Tottenham Hotspur striker of Nigerian descent Kion Etete.

Bulut intends to evaluate the injured players during the team's last training session on Friday.

Should the senior players not pass their fitness tests, the Turkish football tactician plans to summon four or five academy players to make up the numbers. 

Collins has been forced to play through the pain barrier in some matches this season because Bulut did not have an adequate replacement in his thin squad. 

In quotes relayed by Cardiff City's official website, Bulut stated: "This weekend, we will not have a few players because of sickness or strains. 

"Perry Ng has a strain. For him, the season is over, it looks like that. Karlan Grant will not be with us this weekend. 

"Jamilu Collins might also not be with us with a groin problem."

Cardiff City are currently eleventh in the Championship standings and promotion to the Premier League via the playoffs is unattainable as they are trailing sixth-placed Norwich City by twelve points with three games left. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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