Cardiff facing up to life without star man

CARDIFF City are facing up to the prospect of life without Rubin Colwill during one of the most demanding stretches of their season.

- GLEN WILLIAMS

The Wales international, who has been the heartbeat of the Bluebirds' promotion push so far, limped out of Saturday's win at Northampton Town with what Brian Barry-Murphy fears is a "serious" ankle injury. He also left the stadium on crutches and in a protective boot.

Colwill has been Cardiff's standout performer this term, starting every league match, producing some of the campaign's most decisive moments and racking up nine goal involvements across all competitions, more than anyone else in the squad.

In a side that has often relied on moments of ingenuity to unlock stubborn League One defences, his absence represents a major tactical and creative headache.

Barry-Murphy will wait for scan results before receiving a definitive timeline, but the early signs are not encouraging.

The Bluebirds boss admitted Colwill is certain to miss a period of football, raising questions about who now fills that pivotal No.10 role.

With games coming thick and fast in the run-up to Christmas they have 12 games in the next seven weeks Cardiff must find a way to maintain momentum without their chief creator.

Here are the routes Barry-Murphy could take, each with its own risks and rewards...

Play Robinson and Salech together