Luton Town will welcome back defenders Kal Naismith and Teden Mengi for the start of their League One campaign after Jack Wilshere confirmed both are on track to be fit by 15 August. The duo missed the Hatters’ 5-0 friendly win over Hitchin Town on Saturday as they continue to recover from injuries picked up last season.
What did Wilshere say about the injury return?
Wilshere told Luton Today that Naismith is about a week behind schedule after breaking his hand in the final match of 2025/26 against Bolton Wanderers. The centre-back played 45 games last term but missed the play-offs after Luton Town finished seventh on 74 points from 46 games. Wilshere said Naismith can join full contact training from Monday and expects him ready for the trip to Reading on 15 August.
Mengi, meanwhile, has trained for a couple of weeks after missing most of last season with an ankle injury and a hamstring problem picked up in February’s Vertu Trophy loss to Plymouth Argyle. The defender didn’t play again after that clash but Wilshere confirmed Mengi is now closing in on match fitness.
How did the friendly go for Luton Town?
Wilshere handed a debut to 18-year-old Christian Chigozie, who scored the final goal in the 5-0 win. The boss said part of the teenager’s development is playing games and hinted at more minutes to come. Luton Town sit seventh in League One with 74 points, six behind Lincoln City in the title race, and boast a +12 goal difference after scoring 68 and conceding 56 this season.
What’s next for Luton Town?
With Naismith and Mengi back in contention, Wilshere has a full squad to pick from as the Hatters chase a strong start to their League One campaign. The club’s recent form reads WWWDW, and the opening fixture against Reading looms large with just over a month until kick-off.
