Alfie May’s Huddersfield Town absence explained as squad update delivered

May is back in contention for the next game against Lincoln

Huddersfield Town striker Alfie May is set to come “into contention” for tomorrow’s League One clash at home to Lincoln City after being left out of Saturday’s 0-0 draw at Port Vale.

The Terriers’ forward was not included in the squad for the stalemate at Vale Park despite having recovered from illness and trained in the week leading up to the contest.

Discussing May’s absence from Saturday’s squad, Town boss Liam Manning told BBC Radio Leeds: “Competition’s a challenge a little bit. I think Alfie’s had a really bitty start since we’ve been in, obviously with the suspension and then sickness.

“I think in terms of when you look at it, we’ve gone with what we felt could win the game today. I had a good chat with Alfie yesterday (Friday), and he comes into contention for Tuesday.”

Midfielder Marcus McGuane also did not return to the squad despite having recovered from his groin setback, with Manning confirming: “He’s fit, he’s available.

“He obviously had some minutes Tuesday (in an under-21s game), and it’s for me that I think. I’ve got prior with Marcus, I’ve known him a while, I think he’s going to have big impact for us in the remainder.

“I think it’s getting him to a position physically which he’s able to do that, and he’s looking better all the time, so he’s someone that again comes in for Tuesday.”

Skipper Ryan Ledson also dropped to the bench for the fixture against the bottom-of-the-table outfit, and Town’s head coach said: “I had a chat with Ledo about it. I think in terms of when you look at he’s started every game, I think he’s played every minute since we’ve been here in the league, I think he’s someone that’s hugely important for us.

“I think when you look at the week we’ve got coming up as well, I think we’re going to need everybody, and Ledo’s obviously someone that’s been really good for us.”

Centre-back Jack Whatmough made his return to Town’s squad at the weekend for the first time since sustaining a calf injury in September, and Manning told HTTV: “Great to have him back. He’s played a few games in the 21s and done well, he’s training well, and the timing to getting people back’s quite key.

“I think when you look at the competition we’ve got, the options, and there are a few others that aren’t a million miles away, so it becomes really important.”