Interview: Mark Robins to make late fitness call on Coventry City star ahead of Stoke trip

Callum O’Hare will have a fitness check later today (Friday), according to Mark Robins, as Coventry City gets ready to travel to Stoke this weekend. The manager of the Sky Blues decided to rest his star attacking midfield player for the demanding midweek match against Plymouth Argyle, citing the player’s “soreness and fatigue” as a result of playing too many games after missing nearly a year due to injury.

Following Wednesday night’s 2-2 draw at Home Park, the manager stated, “He was disappointed, one hundred percent upset he couldn’t make it, but ultimately it’s the right decision, and hopefully we’ll get the benefit from that on Saturday.”

When asked about O’Hare’s health, though, Robins hinted that he would not be able to play against the Potters, stating in his pre-game news conference, “I have to look at him and see what he’s like today.”

In order to manage his players’ weariness and energy levels ahead of what will be Coventry’s eighth game in just four weeks, the City manager acknowledges that he needs to “get the balance right.”

“The game on Wednesday had a lot of things that went well and a lot of things that didn’t go well,” he stated. “We need to and will improve upon that; all we need to do is find the proper balance in the next games so that, ideally, everyone will be prepared and ready to play.

“The distinction is that we traveled to Plymouth on Wednesday and played on Sunday.” They had a little extra time to practice and prepare because they played on Wednesday as well. However, it’s all about us, not them (Stoke), therefore in order for us to be ready to play again on Saturday, we must make sure we’re doing everything within our power to recover.

“We want to provide them the best care possible, therefore we’re taking another fantastic traveling support. It’s just knowing what it’s like to compete in the Championship and enduring times like these while attempting to succeed.

For the next five to six weeks, City will be without midfield players Jamie Allen (fractured cheekbone) and Ben Sheaf (hamstring tear). Jamie Allen underwent surgery to implant titanium plates to correct the damage caused by an elbow to his face.

Asked how Allen is doing following surgery, the manager said: “Jamie is good, thanks. He’s had his operation and is recovering at home. He will be in during the next week to ten days to review and start his recovery and rehabilitation.”