Ollie Tanner, part of Cardiff City’s young crop of talent, faces an extended spell on the sidelines after sustaining a significant ankle injury during the Bluebirds’ recent win over AFC Wimbledon. The winger was forced off just before halftime, following a collision with pitchside hoardings that left teammates and fans concerned for his wellbeing.
The Details
Subsequent scans revealed the full extent of Tanner’s injuries, showing significant ligament damage in his ankle alongside a hairline fracture in his fibula. This news represents a big blow for both player and club, particularly given Tanner’s growing importance to Cardiff’s tactical setup under Brian Barry-Murphy.
Bad news for Cardiff City fans as Ollie Tanner is set for four months out with an ankle injury 🤕#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/KTVXy0HGY4
— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) August 21, 2025
Barry-Murphy added, "We'll have a meeting with the specialist in the next few days to decide on the next course of treatments.
"The level of care he had at the game was exceptional. I'm very lucky to have worked at some of the best clubs in the world. On Tuesday night our medical department gave him the best care possible. I'm very grateful to have that here at the club.
"From here moving forward he'll be very confident that he'll make a full recovery, and be even better when he comes back."
Transfer Window Stance Unchanged
Tanner's injury will no doubt be a miss for Cardiff but boss Barry-Murphy has confirmed they will not be pursuing reinforcements in reaction to the news and emphasised that the club has always had a clear plan in regards to recruitment.
"No. It doesn't change our idea of where the squad is at or what we want to do.
"We have clear plans in place to improve the squad, but we wouldn't be reactive to one player's injury, just going to recruit players for the sake of it."
Barry-Murphy also believes that this is an opportunity for other members of the squad to fill the void, with several promising youngsters looking poised to grab their opportunity in the first team.
Recovery Process Begins
Tanner, who recently committed his long-term future to Cardiff with a new four-year deal, will begin his rehabilitation soon with an estimated return around December. This is certainly a big blow for both the club and player, but with Tanner's bright start to the season, he will certainly be hoping he can return from his injury setback as expected and stake his claim within the squad again.
The injury represents a test of Cardiff’s squad depth as they pursue their League One promotion aims without one of their main attacking threats. The Bluebirds will be an interesting team to keep an eye on in regards to the profile of the signings that Barry-Murphy is optimistic of, but also how they cope with this setback before any reinforcements are made.
