Size of Huddersfield Town's task against Luton Town spelt out as Hatters' injury crisis eases

We’d like to think that the celebrations from Huddersfield Town fans when news came in of Hull City’s late equaliser against Nottingham Forest were more motivated by its confirmation that the Terriers would finish the season third in the table – and a bit of a laugh at Forest’s expense, given the new animosity between the two sets of fans – rather than a feeling that it had handed Carlos Corberan’s side an ‘easier’ game.

It’s true that Luton have struggled significantly with injuries recently, with their treatment list reaching double figures ahead of their final-day victory over Reading. It wasn’t just fringe players, either. Goalkeeper Matt Ingram had to be brought in on an emergency loan from Hill City after a fleet of issues between the sticks, and promptly conceded seven goals on his debut against Fulham.

Nathan Jones’ side’s hopes against the champions that day were not helped by additional absences to creative full-back James Bree; captain and talismanic centre-back Sonny Bradley; midfielders Luke Berry, Allan Campbell and Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu; and both of their highest-scoring attackers in Elijah Adebayo and Harry Cornick. Things only got worse as winger Fred Onyedinma was forced off with a knock during the rout, leaving Luton’s play-off hopes hanging in the balance.

But things have a very different complexion for Luton as they aim to keep their hopes alive of playing top-flight football for the first time in 30 years. Bradley, Bree, Campbell and Cornick all returned to the starting lineup for the 2-0 victory over Reading that assured them of a top six finish and, as it turned out, a pair of semi-final dates with Huddersfield Town.

Like their opponents, Luton will be hoping to get yet more players back fit