Cardiff City boss Neil Warnock has revealed new signing Marouane Chamakh could make his debut as early as Friday evening.
Marouane Chamakh scores for Arsenal
Neil Warnock has confirmed new signing Maroane Chamakh could make his debut as early as Friday when the Bluebirds take on Bristol City in front of the Sky Sports cameras.
The former Arsenal striker joined Cardiff this week after being released by Crystal Palace at the end of last season and joins on a short-term deal which runs until January.
Warnock revealed striker Rickie Lambert is struggling from ‘niggling injuries’ and that may pave a way for Chamakh to make his first appearance for the Bluebirds.
Speaking in a pre-match media conference, Neil Warnock revealed: “We have one or two niggles at the moment with people like Lambert and with nobody other than youngsters to come in there, I felt Chamakh’s experience is important, I know what he can do and he’s got something to prove until January.”
Lambert has struggled with muscle tightness in recent games and was forced off in the Bluebirds last home game. The 34-year-old may be fit enough to start but he’s unlikely to feature for the full 90 minutes.
Rickie Lambert is struggling with a small injury
The Moroccan international is an experienced figure with stints at Arsenal and Crystal Palace but his best spell arrived at the club where he broke through when he scored 56 goals in 230 league league appearances for French club Bordeaux.
The Bluebirds’ boss also told of why Chamakh’s contract only runs until January and whether it could be extended if he shows his worth. He added: “I want to know which Marouane is training with us, there are a couple of them and I think he has changed as a person.
“He has a little baby now, his partner is with him and that will be good. He has a bit of a reputation in certain areas and one or two people at the club mentioned his reputation and they mentioned three or four things he was renowned for, and I added a couple to that – Hence why we’re only taking him until January.
Bournemouth’s Artur Boruc saves from Crystal Palace’s Marouane Chamakh
“It’s about trust with me and Marouane, I do like the lad, he works hard and he’s a team player. It’s a matter of; if he enjoys it he’ll stay, if he does a job – If he doesn’t then he wont.
“He had a few offers in these last few days from abroad but he wants to stay in England so I said to him’ come and enjoy it with me.
“It’s not a long-term commitment from the club but it gives him an opportunity to show us what he can do and help as a back-up and he’ll be thinking of getting in the team himself.”
Cardiff take on Severnside rivals Bristol City this Friday evening in front of the Sky Sports cameras in what could be Maroane Chamak’s first game as well as Neil Warnock’s.
Neil Warnock faces Bristol City in his first game in charge
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