Edwards on Nakamba's injury, Hatters' 'tight group' and Morris abuse
- Published
Rob Edwards has been speaking to the media before Luton's Premier League match against Chelsea on Saturday.
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
The Hatters boss confirmed that Issa Kabore and Jordan Clark will both be available but that Marvelous Nakamba faces a spell on the sidelines after an operation on his meniscus.
On the midfielder's injury, Edwards said: "It was an innocuous one, it came when he made a pass in training. We won't put a time frame on it, but it's not good and it will be some significant time. He'll see a specialist in a few weeks' time. It's frustrating for him and of course for us as he's a big, big player."
Edwards confirmed the club are in discussions with Andros Townsend about extending the winger's contract.
Asked about captain Tom Lockyer, who continues his recovery at home, he said: "I speak to him every day. He is progressing. He seems bored already, but in generally good spirits, which is really good."
On how the team have reacted since the incident, he said: "I think we were tight already, I don't think it is because of what has happened that we've won two games of football. Performances have been good before that but they're an incredibly tight group - they're like a family."
Edwards added: "Obviously one of the family had a really tough time a couple of weeks ago, so we all have to rally round each other, support each other and help. If that has brought us tighter, then good but the main thing is Tom in all of this."
After Carlton Morris was subjected to alleged racism by a spectator against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane, Edwards said the striker "is OK" but added: "It happens so regularly he just said, 'it's like water off a duck's back'. I think that's really sad. I can't put myself into his position on this
situation, but he's dealt with it very well."
On facing Chelsea, he said: "We'll expect the best Chelsea as we expect the best of every team. We'll try to perform as well as we can and try to play to our strengths. We know at home we can be a match for anyone."
