Adebayo could be on the bench for Luton's Vertu Trophy semi-final

Luton forward Elijah Adebayo could make his return to first team in action for the first time in just under 11 months after manager Jack Wilshere confirmed the striker has as chance of being named on the bench for tomorrow night’s Vertu Trophy semi-final clash against Northampton Town at Kenilworth Road.

The 28-year-old last featured for the Hatters when they were back in the Championship in April 2025, as he started the 1-1 draw against Leeds United, before limping off early in the second half. Adebayo took another step on his comeback trail last Tuesday, playing 45 minutes for the U21s in their 1-0 victory over Cambridge United, on target in the first half with what turned out to be the only goal of the game.

Speaking afterwards, Wilshere stated he was now looking to find a way to include the popular attacker, who has scored 47 goals in 182 matches for the Hatters since arriving in February 2021, in a match-day squad and potentially bring him on for 15 minutes. Asked if that could be against the Cobblers on Wednesday evening, speaking this afternoon, the Luton manager said: “There is a thought of that, I’ve got some decisions to make regarding the squad.

"I know the team, but there are a few decisions I have to make about the squad. Knowing what we’ve got coming up as well, prioritising this game and being competitive from the start, but also trying to work out the different scenarios in the game to try and pick the best squad, so players can come on and help us from the bench, either help us see it through or help us get a goal.

"So he is in my thoughts and I really think that game at Cambridge helped him. Psychologically it’s a big step coming back from injury and from my experience it helps to feel a game again, get away from the training ground, go and play and be uncomfortable a little bit. He’s seen the benefit of that and we’ve seen it in training, so he’s definitely closer and could be on the bench.”