Coventry City: Ben Sheaf situation could actually be a transfer blessing for Frank Lampard | OneFootball

Ben Sheaf's injury is a big blow for Coventry City, but it could help them keep hold of the midfielder this month.

It is fair to say that it has been a turbulent season for Coventry City in the Championship, but things could be looking up for the club under new head coach Frank Lampard.

Lampard made an inconsistent start to life at the CBS Arena after replacing long-serving former manager Mark Robins in November, but there have been positive signs in recent weeks that the 46-year-old is starting to make an impact.

After a 1-0 home win over Bristol City on Saturday, Coventry secured their second consecutive victory as they beat Blackburn Rovers 2-0 at Ewood Park on Tuesday night, with goals in each half from Ellis Simms and Brandon Thomas-Asante sealing an impressive three points for Lampard's men.

While a promotion push still looks a tall order for the Sky Blues, they are now 13th in the table, just seven points from the play-off places, and a strong end to the January transfer window could give them a big boost ahead of the second half of the season.

Lampard has made no secret of the fact that he is looking to strengthen his squad before the closure of the window, but he will also be desperate to keep hold of his key players - in particular Ben Sheaf - and the midfielder's injury could be a blessing in disguise for Coventry.

Coventry City dealt huge Ben Sheaf injury blow

Sheaf initially joined Coventry on loan from Arsenal in September 2020 before making the move permanent the following summer, and he has been a crucial player for the club over the past four-and-a-half years.

The 26-year-old was instrumental as the Sky Blues reached the Championship play-off final in the 2022-23 campaign, while he also starred in their run to the FA Cup semi-finals last season.

Sheaf was handed the captain's armband by Robins in the summer following the departure of Liam Kelly, and he has continued to be a big influence on the team this season, but Coventry suffered a huge blow earlier this month after he was forced off with a muscle injury in the 2-1 defeat at Norwich City, with Lampard revealing that he could be sidelined for up to six weeks.

"It's unfortunate," Lampard told the BBC.

"He has a muscle injury and is going to be out for between four to possibly six weeks.

"It's unfortunate for us (given what he means to us) as a player, captain of the club - it was a busy period of games, we rely on him a lot, it can happen to any player at any time in these busy periods. It's unfortunate but it's an opportunity for others."

The Sky Blues will certainly miss Sheaf over the next few weeks as they look to close the gap to the play-off places, but his injury could significantly improve the club's chances of retaining him in January.

Frank Lampard will have mixed Ben Sheaf emotions after injury blow

Of course, Lampard will be disappointed to lose one of his star men during such a busy period of the season, but he will know that Sheaf's injury could deter clubs from making a move for him this month.

Ipswich Town, Fulham and Luton Town were all linked with Sheaf in the summer, and the midfielder himself admitted in October that "approaches were made by a few clubs", but he insisted he remains committed to achieving promotion with Coventry.

Unsurprisingly, speculation about Sheaf's future emerged again this month when he was linked with Leeds United, and a number of Premier League clubs are also said to be keeping tabs on the former Arsenal man, who is valued in excess of £8 million by the Sky Blues.

Given that Sheaf is only expected to be out until the end of February at the latest, it is not beyond the realms of possibility that he could be the subject of a transfer bid this month as he will be available for the latter part of the season.

However, clubs will likely have reservations about making an offer for a player who is currently out injured, and that is a big boost for Coventry and their faint hopes of launching a late challenge for the play-offs.

The past two games have shown Lampard that his side can cope without Sheaf, with the previously out-of-favour Jamie Allen stepping up admirably in his absence alongside Victor Torp and Jack Rudoni, and with Josh Eccles also on the Sky Blues' books, they are well-stocked in central midfield.