Cardiff City Weekend Report: Star Returns in Test Match, Winger on Fire, and Forward Still Nowhere to Be Seen
Over the past weekend, Cardiff City fans were treated to updates on their players who were in action, despite the Championship season being paused for the international break. From Bluebirds players on international duty to those out on loan, there was plenty of interest from a Cardiff-supporting perspective. Let’s take a closer look at how City’s international and loan players performed during the recent break.
Kion Etete made his long-awaited return for Bolton in a test match against Everton under-21s on Sunday. The striker had been sidelined due to a thigh injury sustained during warm-up before a previous game. Loaned out to League One side Bolton, Etete had encountered minimal game time after suffering a hamstring injury earlier in the season. Despite conceding a penalty in his last appearance, Etete featured in a 60-minute test match against Everton’s youngsters, which Bolton won 1-0. Fans will be eager to see him in action in their next league fixture against Blackpool.
Meanwhile, the in-form Cian Ashford continued his stellar performances by scoring a goal for Wales under-21s in their 1-1 draw with Sweden. The winger has been a standout player for Cardiff City this season, showcasing his talent with three goals and three assists. Ashford’s recent goal serves as a timely reminder to manager Omer Riza as Cardiff City gears up for the resumption of their survival bid.
On the other hand, the situation surrounding Michael Reindorf has left many puzzled. Despite a prolific spell with Cardiff’s under-21s, the forward has struggled to make an impact at Bristol Rovers in League One. With limited game time and stiff competition for a starting spot, Reindorf’s loan move has not gone as expected. His lack of involvement in recent matches raises concerns about his development and future prospects.
Meanwhile, several young Bluebirds featured in Wales under-19s’ squad during a narrow 1-0 defeat to Portugal. Luey Giles, Dylan Lawlor, and Troy Perrett were among those who represented Wales, with Cody Twose and Dakarai Mafico named as unused substitutes. The experience gained from international matches at a young age bodes well for their development within the Cardiff setup.
In a separate match, Andy Rinomhota played a crucial role for Zimbabwe in their 2-2 draw against Benin. Rinomhota’s performance reflected his commitment to the national team, with Zimbabwe set to face a challenging encounter against Nigeria. The midfielder’s dedication and optimism highlight his desire to help his team achieve success on the international stage.
As Cardiff City prepares to resume Championship action, fans will be eager to see how these players’ experiences during the break will impact the team’s performance in the upcoming fixtures. With promising talent emerging from various international and loan spells, Cardiff City’s future looks bright as they strive for success in the competitive Championship league.