Mansfield Town striker Adi Yussuf raring to go after Ramadan
Adam Murray is hoping Mansfield Town fans will see a fully fit Adi Yussuf for the first time in Saturday’s friendly with Leicester after the 23-year-old striker began eating fully again following the Ramandan fast.
The Zanzibar-born goal ace observes the Muslim faith and his lack of food over the past month has left him short of his full pace and power.
Manager Adam Murray admitted dealing with different faiths was a new and interesting experience for him.
“With Adi and Malv Benning we have quite a mix of beliefs in the group which has been interesting for me as a manager,” he said. “This means different eating regimes and players only being able to eat certain things.
“It’s a whole new experience for me, but I fully respect people’s beliefs.
“Adi has fallen a little bit behind, but we have time now to get him back up to speed and I hope we will see him back in at the weekend.
“We can step up his training regime and he can have an intense two and a half weeks without putting his health at risk.”
Murray added: “I will try to give him a big chunk of Saturday’s game, though I don’t want to rush him. He is all about pace and power and if he’s not right, he’s likely to do a hamstring.
“He has done brilliant so far, yet he has only been at about 70 per cent. But I respect his beliefs and we want to help him out.
“When you are not getting the right fuel on board it can be tough. But he is a big character and he is very mentally and physically strong as he has shown already.”