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Luton 'frustrated' by Bell injury lay-off

Amari'i BellImage source, Rex Features
Image caption,

Amari'i Bell joined Luton from Blackburn Rovers in 2021

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Luton Town full-back Amari'i Bell will be out of action for "a number of weeks" because of a hamstring injury, says manager Rob Edwards.

The Jamaica defender has played more than 100 league games for the Hatters and was a member of the team which won promotion from the Championship two seasons ago.

Bell has made five appearances this season, most recently in the 1-0 win at Millwall on 14 September.

"He's a big player for us and the fact that he can play in a number of different positions gives us real scope to be able to change things, even with the same personnel on the pitch, if we want to," said Edwards.

"To put a figure on it right now, I wouldn't want to put that sort of pressure on him or the staff, but it is weeks, it's not a week or 10 days. That's really disappointing.

"I'm really frustrated for Amari'i because we want to be able to select from our best players - and he's certainly one of those."

Edwards, meanwhile, has described images of the club's proposed new stadium at Power Court as "amazing".

Luton have played at Kenilworth Road for 119 years but this month submitted an application to build a 25,000-seater stadium.

"It's really exciting and brilliant for the football club," said Edwards.

"I know [CEO] Gary [Sweet] and everyone behind it have been working extremely hard for a long time to deliver this, and it's a big step closer."

If the plans are approved by the council, Luton hope building will be completed by 2027.

Image source, Luton Town Football Club
Image caption,

Luton Town acquired land at Power Court in 2016

Edwards declined to be drawn on the possibility of him leading the team out at the new ground.

"I don't want to speak too soon - in this job you never know. I'm just trying to keep my head down and win a few games," he said.

Luton are away to Plymouth Argyle on Friday night (20:00 BST), seeking a third successive Championship win.