Edwards staying tight-lipped over Luton injuries but confirms one change from Watford win

Luton boss Rob Edwards has confirmed the Hatters will be forced into at least one change from Town's 3-0 victory over Watford on Saturday for their Championship home clash against leaders Sunderland tomorrow evening.

Town’s brilliant 3-0 triumph over their fiercest rivals was tainted somewhat with the hosts’ adding to their injury list once more, Tom Holmes the first to be withdrawn, taken off at half time. He was followed in the second period by Reece Burke, who tweaked his groin, with Tahith Chong making way after treatment on his leg, while Tom Krauß exited the fray due to illness as well.

Asked for an update on the quartet this afternoon, Edwards said: “I've got to keep my cards close to my chest a little bit on that, there's one that's out and then there's three that we're hopeful on which is obviously not too bad news. We're not likely to get anyone else that's been out of it back by tomorrow, hopefully for Saturday (against Coventry), but we’ll chat again before then.

"We're definitely going to have to make at least one adjustment, maybe more. We're going to give people as much time as possible. We hope we've got some defensive options, we’re hopeful but like I said after the game the other, whoever has to go in has set themselves the standard and no excuses, I know after the game I talked about it is tough, it is challenging, but whatever we can go with, we’ll have to go and give everything.”

Midfielder Shandon Baptiste isn't expected to be back in consideration either, with Edwards continuing: “He was out there training today, but not quite with the group. He’s very close, he hit some good speed and we’re hopeful for the weekend for Shandon.”

With Town having a number of defensive issues, they had to call on teenager Joe Johnson during the second half of the Watford win, as the England U19 international assumed the left wingback berth for the final half an hour. Although there was the odd nervy moment for the academy graduate, he was able to help see out a victory in what would have been the biggest occasion he had ever played in, with Edwards saying: “It was a brilliant experience for him.

"To bring on a teenager in that atmosphere, I know that teenagers play in these game, but I always found as a defender if I came on in games, and especially a game of that magnitude, it can be difficult to get up to speed really quickly, so it will be great learning for him. There was good bits, bits that he can learn from, as always, so it can only be beneficial for him to cope in that sort of pressure and that cauldron was really pleasing.”

With Luton’s injuries racking up, Amari’i Bell, Teden Mengi, Mads Andersen and Reuell Walters all already sidelined, it looked like the issues were weighing heavy on Edwards’ shoulders when addressing the press after Saturday’s tremendous triumph. However, the boss felt that was down due to more the spotlight that always goes with a game against the Hornets, adding: “I’m a bit more positive than what I was feeling straight after the game.

"We still don’t know on everyone yet and I don’t like feeling like that, but we’re hopeful. I don’t think it was just because of having to take some players off due to injury, just that game in particular for me is quite draining. A lot of work goes into it, we know what it means and the relief after the final whistle, that was my overwhelming feeling. Rather than happiness or pride, it was a little bit more relief I think.”