Bellamy could be fit for Bluebirds

Last updated : 16 May 2011 By Michael Morris

bellamy1Bellamy came off after 17 mins at Reading with a hamstring tweak. The boss reacted immediately to Bellamy's concern and subbed him.

“He came off straight away but he is an experienced player who knows his body,” Jones said after the Reading game.

“He has missed games during the season and we have players who can replace him if needs be.”

Bellamy's fitness coach Raymond Verheijen said on Twitter after the game

“Smart move by Craig to get off as a precaution because of a tight hamstring. But even if he can play next Tuesday, tonight was a clear signal.

“Explosive players accumulate extreme fatigue during two games in three days, or three games in seven days.

“It’s impossible to recover fully before next game."

But the feeling is that Bellamy could be fit to play. Verheijen has flown into Cardiff today to assess the injury and long with City. Bellamy had a scan over the weekend.

The Dutchman since Friday tweeted “Although Tuesday is still a question mark it looks like a lucky escape. But still we should learn our lessons.”

Any talk of saving him for a possible Wembley appearance should be banished. Cardiff are not at Wembley. They have an important match at Cardiff City Stadium first and Bellamy could be crucial to the cause on Tuesday.

Meanwhile Reading dangerman Jimmy Kebe has travelled with the Reading squad today. He missed the end of the regular season and the first leg of the play off semi final. He is hoping to be fit enough to take part at CCS.

There is also a fitness concern for Brian McDermott over Hal Robson-Kanu who picked up a hamstring niggle last Friday.