Marvellous Nakamba.
Luton Town and manager Rob Edwards have always been transparent in their beliefs that The Hatters would be in a relegation scrap this season, and that’s precisely how things have panned out. Well-known online betting platforms are looking at Luton’s survival chances as being slim, and they could become remote if Everton’s points deduction appeal is successful. The onus is now on Edwards to drive his team on, and Nakamba’s absence in the middle of the park has been telling.
Nakamba, 30, who swapped Aston Villa for Luton, has been capped twenty-six times by his country. He’s a tough tackler who always gives his all for the shirt, and The Hatters reaped the rewards of his skillset in testing times. And, in a period where every point will be crucial, they could do with him back, even if it’s for a handful of games before the end of the season.
The central midfielder has now been missing for Luton’s last eight Premier League fixtures, and there’s no sign of him reappearing anytime soon. Nakamba picked up the knee injury in training. After initial checks were performed, it was decided the best course of action would be for him to undergo meniscus surgery immediately in an attempt to get him back playing again as soon as possible.
Unfortunately for Nakamba and Luton, knee injuries are something the former especially knows all about. While contracted to Aston Villa, the former Club Brugge star missed fifteen Premier League games due to a similar injury, which also required surgery. The hope will be that there are no further knee issues for Nakamba, who is signed with Luton until 2026, especially as he’s been one of their key men, both in the Championship and in the Premier League.
Luckily for Luton, Ross Barkley has shone in central midfield this season and has been one of the most impressive players in the entire division. But with Barkley being a creator, The Hatters have certainly missed what Nakamba brings to the table in terms of his physical attributes and ability to break up play. If they were to get a match-fit Nakamba back at any point before May, it would undoubtedly be a welcome boost.
The Hatters have done great to pull away from Sheffield United and Burnley, who are both marooned in 20th and 19th, respectively. But, they remain in a battle with Everton to beat the drop and not finish in 18th. The two outfits are level on points at the time of writing, but as mentioned above, if things go The Toffee’s way where their points deduction appeal is concerned, it would take something marvellous for Luton to stay up.
Post published in: Featured