For football fans, few phrases induce anxiety quite like “injury sustained on international duty.” This was precisely the situation Coventry City found themselves in recently when their prominent striker, Haji Wright, picked up a knock while representing the United States national team during the Gold Cup.
The nature of the injury – an Achilles problem – only amplified concerns. Achilles issues, as is well-known in sports science circles, can potentially sideline players for significant periods, throwing carefully laid plans for the upcoming season into disarray.
However, a dose of encouraging news has arrived from none other than Coventry manager Frank Lampard. Speaking from the club`s pre-season training base, Lampard offered a notably optimistic assessment of Wright`s condition.
According to Lampard, the early indications suggest the injury is “nothing major.” Wright is already roughly two and a half weeks into his recovery process and is adhering diligently to his rehabilitation protocol.
“Haji sustained an injury when he was away with the USA team,” Lampard explained. “I think we’re two-and-a-bit weeks into what you would call his rehab… Hopefully it’s nothing major. He has done everything right and he has been off his feet for a few weeks.”
Crucially, Wright opted to join the squad for pre-season, even while injured – a move Lampard was “really pleased with.” This decision allows the club`s medical team direct oversight of his recovery and keeps the influential forward integrated with his teammates, reinforcing his status as a “big player” for the Sky Blues.
Wright`s importance to Coventry cannot be overstated. His contribution last season, where he finished as the club`s top scorer with 18 goals in all competitions, underscored his value. Lampard, entering his first full season at the helm, is clearly eager to work closely with the 27-year-old.
The manager expressed confidence in Wright`s talent and potential for the upcoming campaign. The immediate focus is getting him fit for the start of the 2024-25 Championship season, which commences on August 9th for Coventry with a home fixture against Hull City. With Wright under contract until the summer of 2027, ensuring his full and timely recovery is a key piece of Coventry`s preparation puzzle.
Rupert Caldwell 
Tristan Blackwood