Greg Cunningham absence explained as Preston North End defender 'breaks down'
Greg Cunningham was absent from the first-team squad for the first time since rejoining Preston North End in January from Cardiff City.
Monday 15th March 2021
Greg Cunningham's absence from Preston North End's defeat to Wycombe Wanderers was the result of his weary condition, with Alex Neil wary of nurturing him back into the first-team frame.
The left-back has made seven appearances since rejoining the club during the January transfer window, making five consecutive starts before Saturday's encounter with Wycombe.
It's been quite an intensive period for the 30-year-old, who only made five appearances for Cardiff during the current campaign prior to his switch back to Deepdale and Cunningham has been starved of first-team action since sustaining an ACL injury while on loan at Blackburn Rovers last season.
The rigorous scheduling demands and the intensity of which Neil demands of his full-backs have taken their toll on Cunningham, with the North End manager admitting he may have pushed his defender over the edge in recent weeks.
"He's broke down, as I expected he would do and I've been moaning it about for weeks, so he's unavailable for the weekend which is a massive blow," said Neil.
"He's been a great servant, he's been excellent since he's came back and we missed him again."
Andrew Hughes deputised in his absence while PNE are not short on central defensive options following Liam Lindsay's return from injury for Saturday's contest, which gives Neil food for thought heading into the remaining fixtures before the international break.
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