Cornelius a worry for Premier League opener

Striker Andreas Cornelius faces a race against time to be fit for Cardiff City’s Premier League opener on August 17.

The £8million club-record signing from FC Copenhagen is suffering with an ankle injury sustained in training.

He was absent for Cardiff’s 1-0 pre-season win over Chievo on Saturday and manager Malky Mackay confirmed that he may miss the first game of the campaign against West Ham at Upton Park.

“We’re working to get him back for the start of the season,” Mackay said, in quotes reported by The Express. “His ankle is sore but he is back running.”

Jordon Mutch, Joe Mason and Craig Bellamy also missed the victory over the Serie A side, although the trio’s injuries are not thought to be serious.

“Jordon had a problem with his groin in the warm up with 15 minutes to go, it’s not too serious,” Mackay confirmed to the club’s official website.

“Joe Mason rolled his ankle during the week against Port Talbot and Craig Bellamy was ill overnight so again, short-term things.”

Cardiff have one more pre-season friendly remaining before they play their first Premier League fixture.

The Welsh side face Athletic Bilbao on Saturday at the Cardiff City Stadium.