Blackpool boss analyses defensive options ahead of Huddersfield Town test
Blackpool take on Huddersfield Town on Saturday afternoon.
Blackpool boss Ian Evatt believes his side are well-equipped defensively in the short-term despite their current injury crisis.
It was confirmed last week that Millwall loanee Kamarl Grant would not feature for the Seasiders again, with the defender requiring ankle surgery just three weeks on from his Bloomfield Road move.
Meanwhile, Michael Ihiekwe’s game time is currently being managed as he works his way back from a foot injury, but is able to play Saturday to Saturday.
The 33-year-old helped to form the Blackpool back three in last weekend’s 1-0 defeat to Luton Town, with Olly Casey and James Husband starting either side of him.
Zac Ashworth is also able to fill in on the left side, if appropriate cover at wing-back becomes available, while in the next few weeks Fraser Horsfall could be back in contention following a spell on the sidelines with a hamstring issue.
“Reuell (Walters) can play there as well, so we’ve got that option with him,” Evatt said.
“The conversations we’re having with the medical team is that there’s a good chance we’ll have Fraser (Horsfall), Hayden (Coulson) and Albie (Morgan) all back training with us.
“There’s light at the end of the tunnel. A bit like when I first came in, we’re just having to navigate a really challenging spell with injuries, results and refereeing decisions before the lads get back and we can kick on again.
“There’s a long time left yet, and a lot of points to play for. For me, it’s just about being calm and understanding what we need to do is to be as prepared as we possibly can to get results in this league.
“It’s incredibly frustrating because when everyone is available this is a good squad of players, we’ve just not had everyone available for long enough.
“Simon’s (Sadler) invested heavily in this squad, and when things change quickly in the window, it’s a big ask for him to reinvest, but he has, and I’m so grateful for that support alongside David (Downes).
“It’s not down to reviewing now, it’s about reviewing in the summer. There’s a huge amount of injuries, so we need to find the reason why. For now, it’s about getting out of the trouble we’re in and getting safe.”
No new Blackpool concerns for Huddersfield Town game
Blackpool have no fresh injury concerns heading into their game away to Huddersfield Town at the John Smith’s Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
“The only one we had was Lee (Evans) - he had a really nasty gash on his leg that required four or five stitches, but that’s not our issue now,” Evatt added.
“Everyone else seems absolutely fine. The players are getting fitter and strong. Michael (Ihiekwe) is getting fitter and stronger all of the time, we know where we’re at with him. We know where we’re at with the injured players returning and the new ones
“We just need to make sure we’re slightly cautious with their load so we don’t break them with intensity.”
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