Former Sunderland man Martyn Waghorn could be in line for a return to the Stadium of Light this weekend with Coventry boss Mark Robins expecting the striker to shake off an injury problem. South Shields-born Waghorn started his career at Sunderland and came through the club's academy system before making a £3m move to Leicester City in 2010.
His has since spent spells at a range of clubs including Wigan, Rangers, Ipswich, and Derby, before joining Coventry last summer. The 32-year-old missed Coventry's final pre-season friendly against Portsmouth due to a calf issue but Robins says he should be in contention for Sunday's Championship opener.
"Martyn Waghorn has been out a few days," Robins told Coventry's official website. "He had a calf issue, but thankfully there was no tear.
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"He's a senior professional that knows his body and it wasn't right for him to continue to play. He's had a few days out and some treatment and, hopefully, he'll be cleared to train before Sunday."
Coventry are also likely to have midfielder Kasey Palmer available after he missed the Pompey friendly due to injury. But captain Liam Kelly will miss out as he set to be sidelined for several months with a serious hamstring injury.
Looking ahead to the campaign, Robins said: "Pre-season has been really good, apart from Kelly injury. Like I say, it's a long season with a lot of games coming thick and fast and we always say it but it's totally different this year.
"The supporters will find that it's tough going, but hopefully we can give everyone the same level of enjoyment they've had over the past five years."
Aside from Waghorn, Coventry also include two more former Sunderland men in their ranks and they could be involved this weekend. Defender Callum Doyle joined the Sky Blues on loan from Manchester City this summer, having spent last season on loan at Sunderland.
And goalkeeper Ben Wilson is a graduate of Sunderland's academy, before leaving to join Cambridge United in 2013.
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