Cambridge pondering changes for FA Cup clash with Sutton

Posted Friday, November 03, 2017 by PA

Cambridge could rotate their squad as a busy week begins with an FA Cup first-round clash against Sutton.

It is the first of three games in six days for the Us, with Peterborough in the Checkatrade Trophy and Accrington in League Two to follow, and manager Shaun Derry admits with certain players he will have to "be aware of their load".

Striker Ade Azeez remains sidelined by a knee ligament injury.

Teenage defender Harry Darling could have been an outside contender to play as part of any significant rotation from Derry but has joined non-league Royston Town on loan.

Sutton, who memorably reached the fifth round last season, will be without Craig Eastmond until Christmas after the midfielder suffered medial ligament damage.

It was feared Eastmond had broken his leg but a scan revealed there was no fracture.

Defender Simon Downer has had an injection in his back and is set to miss the trip to Cambridge.

United boss Paul Doswell has described Sunday's game as a "free shot" given his side's heroics in getting all the way to a home tie with Arsenal in February.