Nakamba recovers from injury; available for selection at the weekend

Zimbabwe international holding midfielder Marvelous Nakamba who picked up a leg injury in Luton Town’s 1-0 defeat to Burnely last Saturday has recovered from the set back and is available for selection this weekend, his manager Rob Edwards has confirmed.

“Marvelous was starting to tighten up with his groin, but he is available,” Edwards said on Friday ahead of Luton’s clash with Birmingham City tomorrow [Saturday].

Nakamba limped off injured 68 minutes into the match when the Hatters suffered their first defeat in six games to log leaders Burnley during a Sky Bet Championship fixture played last Saturday.

The Warriors midfielder who had had a good game once again for Luton in his third appearance for the club, was subbed off and was replaced by Allan Campbell.

“Marvelous Nakamba can’t continue after picking up an injury. He is replaced by Allan Campbell,” wrote the club.

“Nakamba had performed well again on his home debut at the base of the Town midfield, but his work for the day was done in the 68th minute, being replaced by Campbell after receiving treatment.”

Nakamba is at Luton up to the end of the season, on a six month loan deal from English Premier League side Aston Villa.

His loan came after Villa manager Unai Emery told him he was free to leave the club after falling down the pecking order in the team’s midfield department.

The loan deal could end up being turned into a permanent move after Nakamba was listed among six players who are likely set to be sold by Villa in the summer.

However, the 29-year-old who has been described by Luton manager as a “Duracell Battery” following his work rate could also stay at Villa if his play convinces Emery.

Nakamba has a running contract with Villa which is set to expire in June 2024.