BY GRACE ZIGAH
Jordan Ayew endured another setback in his bid to regain full match fitness after Sheffield United were dumped out of the Carabao Cup by lower-league Fleetwood Town in the third round.
Ayew, who joined the Championship side earlier this month, was introduced in the 58th minute but could not prevent Sheffield United from suffering a damaging defeat against their lower-league opponents.
The Black Stars captain is still working his way back to full fitness after spending the entire pre-season without a club following the expiration of his Leicester City contract in July. His move to Sheffield United has therefore provided an opportunity to rebuild his sharpness and regain regular competitive minutes.
While Ayew made a second-half appearance, fellow Ghana international Caleb Yirenkyi was handed a rare start for Coventry City against Premier League opposition Aston Villa.
Yirenkyi, who had not started for Coventry for two weeks, played 73 minutes before being replaced by experienced Nigerian midfielder Frank Onyeka. Coventry, however, were unable to produce a cup upset, suffering a 3-1 home defeat to Villa.
The night was less encouraging for another Ghanaian at Coventry, with Brandon Thomas-Asante remaining an unused substitute.Thomas-Asante’s lack of regular football continues to be a concern, having last started for Coventry against Arsenal on the opening weekend of the Premier League season.
His continued absence from the starting XI leaves the forward facing increased competition for playing time with private partners on major sporting events.
