The hectic fixture schedule in the Championship was always going to hit squads hard when it came to injuries.
And Cardiff City have been unable to avoid the injury pile-up, with as many as seven first-team stars absent owing to a myriad of different issues.
The Bluebirds have done tremendously well to record an impressive five wins in their last six matches, notwithstanding being without so many important players.
The festive period is a typically difficult time for managers when it comes to managing game time, while still trying to field the best possible XI to ensure no ground is lost in the bid to launch themselves up the table.
But Neil Harris has had the luxury of being able to name the same side five times in a row, which yielded largely brilliant results, that Swansea City defeat aside.
However, the manager was forced to name three academy kids on the bench for the first time against Birmingham City on Wednesday night, highlighting the toll injuries have taken on the squad.
Joe Ralls was absent from that one due to suspension following his red card in the South Wales derby, and although Harris said the player has been carrying a niggling injury over the last few weeks, he is expected to come back into contention against Norwich City this weekend.
As for the other seven, here is their situation and when they are expected to return..
jordi Osei-Tutu’s injury might actually be the most significant of all, because it has arguably weakened two positions.
And that is no slight on Leandro Bacuna, who many rightly believe has filled in excellently in the Arsenal loanee’s absence.
But with Osei-Tutu being the only recognised right back, the move to shift Bacuna into that void means he is unable to affect the game in midfield, where he was so good last season.
But there is positive news when it comes to Osei-Tutu. This week he held a consultation with the specialist to see if he could get the green light to step up his training, which is most certainly welcome news.
It is thought that Osei-Tutu will return to the first-team training group between Christmas and New Year.
