Sheffield Wednesday defender Bambo Diaby is set to miss a return to Preston North End on Friday after picking up a red card.
PNE have enjoyed a great Boxing Day, beating Leeds United 2-1 at Deepdale in an early kickoff.
North End desperately needed a big home win and Ryan Lowe’s men came up with the goods and can enjoy some celebrations tonight.
There are no such post-Christmas festivities for Sheffield Wednesday though having lost 2-0 away at Coventry City.
Japanese talent Tatsuhiro Sakamoto grabbed both goals for Coventry but Wednesday suffered a blow after the final whistle, just days away from facing PNE at Deepdale…
Bambo Diaby sent off ahead of Preston North End return
Wednesday were chasing a late goal at the Coventry Building Society Arena but an ugly off-the-ball clash saw the game end in drama.
Owls centre back Bambo Diaby clashed with Coventry ace Liam Kitching, leading to both players being sent off.
It’s unclear just what sparked these scenes but a straight red card will now see Diaby miss Friday’s trip to face PNE.
Wednesday may appeal but, as things stand, there will be no Diaby for their next three games.
PNE host Wednesday on Friday night and Diaby was in line to make a first return to Deepdale since leaving North End in August.
Diaby joined PNE on trial back in 2021 and was signed on a free transfer in 2022.
The 26-year-old had been out of the game more two years following a ban for a failed drug test.
PNE gave Diaby a new start in football but he only manage 24 Championship appearances in an 18-month spell at Deepdale.
Diaby was sold to Wednesday in order to pave the way for Jack Whatmough to come in, returning to Yorkshire after a prior spell with Barnsley.
Now a regular with the Owls, Diaby would have been given a warm reception for Friday’s game having been a loveable figure during his North End days.
Today’s red card means Diaby will have to watch from the stands if he makes the trip to Lancashire, leaving the struggling Owls a centre back down for Friday’s trip, which will be a boost for North End.