Adams in contention

The striker missed last week’s outing at Tottenham, having played 90 minutes in the midweek Carabao Cup win over Portsmouth, but may yet be available for selection this Sunday.

Cédric pulled out of the warm-up last weekend, and remains sidelined, while Moussa Djenepo is also unavailable as he continues to recover from a reoccurring tendon problem.

Speaking about the fitness of the full-back, the manager said: “For sure not. He really tried to play against Tottenham, that maybe wasn’t the best idea, but he really wanted to help the team.

“He really tried to do it against Tottenham but after the warm-up the problem was too big. It’s a calf injury.

Sometimes a break can help. even if you're like ché and want to play every week.

Ralph hasenhüttl
on ché adams

“Ché [Adams] has played every game until the last game. And also played 90 minutes against Portsmouth.

“It was clear that I needed to give him a rest. Sometimes a break can help, even if you are like him, where he always wants to play.

“This week he’s in better condition and is clearer in the mind. He can be an option for Sunday, yes.

“It’s difficult as a striker if you have a good pre-season and then it comes to the league and you are unlucky. It’s important that you stay working and believe in yourself.

“In the moment also it’s important that we have other players who can score in the front too.”

On Djenepo, he added: “Moussa is very difficult to say when he can play again. It’s high risk at the moment. When you have an injury in a muscle that you need when you shoot the ball then you don’t know if it’s okay until you shoot.

"He can do everything, running and passing. Everything is possible. But when he shoots we must pay attention because a tendon injury is difficult. I would like to have him back as soon as possible."