Cardiff City are exploring the free-agent market as an injury crisis compounds a winless start to their Championship campaign. Manager Brian Barry-Murphy confirmed the club is monitoring available players after being limited to just four summer signings.
The squad sits 21st in the table with only four points from seven games, a run that includes a 1-0 defeat at Bolton last Saturday. With the transfer window closed, Barry-Murphy's options are thin, forcing him to name 15-year-old Noah Anyadike and 16-year-old Paul Moreno on the bench for the midweek draw with Stoke.
Injury list mounts
Five senior players are currently unavailable. Defender Will Fish is expected to resume full training during the upcoming international break, while Dylan Lawlor is making encouraging progress and could return for the home game against Charlton on 19 September.
Isaak Davies is set for a three-week absence with a hamstring injury. Rubin Colwill is battling ankle irritation and is racing to be fit for the trip to Bolton. Calum Chambers is nursing knee, neck and back issues, with no timescale given for his return.
"Once we get Dylan and Will back, we'll be in a really strong and healthy position," Barry-Murphy said.
Midfield reshuffle
With Ryan Wintle having departed, Alex Robertson has stepped into the midfield. Barry-Murphy praised the player's development, saying he has improved to 'another level' this season. The manager's immediate focus is on handling the current shortage.
He explained the decision to include teenagers on the bench against Stoke. "Those players were on the bench because they've done really well and they were deserving of it," he said.
Speculation downplayed
Recent speculation linking Cardiff with a move for Wales international Rabbi Matondo, who Barry-Murphy previously worked with at Manchester City, was downplayed by the manager. The club's immediate priority appears to be assessing the fitness of its existing squad rather than pursuing specific targets.
The next test is a home fixture against Charlton, which kicks off at 12:30 BST on Saturday. Fans can check the full upcoming schedule on the club's fixtures page and view the latest squad status on the injuries list. Cardiff will hope the international break provides a chance for key players to recover.
