Calf injury keeps out Blackpool midfielder as team-mates make progress in their returns from injury
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Blackpool’s head coach has outlined the latest situation regarding Blackpool’s injured players.
Ian Evatt has confirmed that George Honeyman is back on the sidelines as Blackpool prepare to host Mansfield Town on Saturday.
The 32-year-old was taken off at half-time during the Seasiders’ League One victory against MK Dons at Bloomfield Road on Tuesday.
That was only Honeyman’s third game back, having picked up a calf injury at Barnsley before last month’s international break.
Evatt had cited a calf issue as the reason behind Honeyman’s midweek withdrawal and, speaking before training on Friday, revealed the midfielder isn’t in contention for selection.
The head coach said: “George is going to be out for a few weeks.
“He’s picked up a calf injury, the other calf to the one he injured prior.
“It’s not ideal but it’s something we need to deal with.”
There is more positive news, however, regarding a number of other senior players.
Midweek goalscorer Karoy Anderson, who was taken off towards the end of Tuesday’s game, is in line to be available for selection.
Niall Ennis is also closing in on a return to training, having been out since the opening day of the season with hamstring and calf injuries.
Fraser Horsfall is now taking the next step in his return from an ankle injury that has kept him out since April.
CJ Hamilton is progressing after a knee injury at Barnsley, though there remains no update on Michael Ihiekwe’s recovery from a long-standing toe injury.
Evatt added: “Karoy, at the minute, looks fine, which is great news. We’ll just wait to see how he is today.
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“Fraser is joining in training for the first time today, which is fantastic news.
“Again, it’s the first step after a long road to recovery; I’m trying to curb my excitement slightly!
“Niall is on the grass in late stage rehab. He’s not ready to return yet but it’s really positive news.
“CJ is back on the grass, rehabbing, next week so things are progressing on that front.”