Blackpool boss provides injury update on James Husband, Matty Virtue and Oliver Sarkic ahead of league opener at Plymouth

The defender was originally due to start Blackpool’s opening group game only to pull up in the warm-up.

He was eventually replaced by Nathan Shaw, who went on to deliver a strong performance as the Seasiders were held to a goalless draw, picking up a bonus point after winning the penalty shootout.

While the full extent of Husband’s knock isn’t currently clear, with just three days until Pool’s long trip to Home Park it gives the 26-year-old minimal time to recover.

“He felt his hamstring during the warm-up, so we don’t want to take any risks on that at all,” Critchley said.

“It gave a great opportunity to young Nathan to play at left-back which is a position he’s already played a few times in pre-season and done well.

“To be called upon as late as he was and perform like he did, I think he can be very pleased with his performance.”

Elsewhere, there is better news regarding Matty Virtue and Oliver Sarkic, who could both come back into contention for the weekend after missing Blackpool’s last two games with niggles.

“Oliver will train on Wednesday, the same goes for Matty Virtue. I’m pretty confident and hopeful they will be available for the weekend,” Critchley said.

“Whether Matty would have started against Barrow I don’t know, he might have come off the bench or if he started then he comes off and Grant Ward goes on. He just strengthens the squad and gives you more options.

“Ollie does the same in the attacking area of the pitch and they’ve both got goals in them.

“Matty can get goals from midfield as we know and Ollie is a really good technical player and I think he would have been a really big asset against Barrow.”