' CCFC Virus... '

Cardiff City’s preparations for their Championship trip to Bolton on Saturday have been hit by a virus that has swept through the Bluebirds’ camp this week.

As many as nine players were struck down by the illness but boss Russell Slade said most of them now were nearing recovery and are in contention for the crunch Trotters clash.

And the Cardiff manager has been further boosted by the news that Brazilian left-back Fabio is fit following his foot injury and will travel as part of the Bluebirds’ 20-man squad to Lancashire this weekend, with a late decision to be made on whether he is able to start or be named amongst the substitutes

There will also be checks made on those players struck by the virus with first-team squad members Sammy Ameobi, Joe Mason, Aron Gunnarsson, Tony Watt, Stuart O’Keefe and Anthony Pilkington among them as well as back-up goalkeeper Simon Moore and young defender Declan John.

Cardiff are desperate to get back to winning ways at Bolton as they look to hang on to the Championship play-off place contenders.

Slade’s men are currently in tenth, but still only two points off the top six.

The Cardiff manager admitted it had been difficult this week to work with so many of his men under the weather but things were looking brighter as match-day approached.

“It was nine of our players, just about, who were hit by the virus,” said Slade.

“It is a difficult situation to manage of course but the hard part was at the start of the week and fortunately the majority of my players have come through it and are looking likely to be fit for contention at Bolton.”

The Bluebirds' medical staff have been working diligently all week to ensure Fabio is in with a chance of making his return against the Trotters.

Precautions have been taken to ensure the toe the Brazilian injured in the 0-0 draw at Ipswich on October 31 is protected when he returns to the pitch.

Work has been done to ensure the balance is right in his running should he play, with Scott Malone filling in for him while he has been out.

Excuses starting already

Just get on with it

Does anyone know if this is actually true?

Co-incidence we are playing the "Trotters"

Does anyone know if this is actually true?

So you think Slade has gone public and was quoted that 9 players having a virus is bullshit?

I doubt even Slade is that stupid.

If they have rested up for a couple of days it could even help us!

He should have bought a decent anti virus, and not been a cheap skate and relied on the freebies available on line. More club cost cutting??

Co-incidence we are playing the "Trotters"

Swine flu!

Co-incidence we are playing the "Trotters"

Swine flu!

Snout to do with you!

Co-incidence we are playing the "Trotters"

Swine flu!

Snout to do with you!

Thank f**k.

Does anyone know if this is actually true?

So you think Slade has gone public and was quoted that 9 players having a virus is bullshit?

I doubt even Slade is that stupid.

Evidently it wasn't true haha