Blackpool boss provides injury update on Matty Virtue, Ethan Robson and Gary Madine ahead of weekend test against Peterborough United

The striker has missed Blackpool’s last two games with a groin injury and was also left out in midweek before the club’s game against Burton Albion was postponed at the last minute.

But the 30-year-old, who has been given injections to help deal with the niggling issue, is closing in on a return.

“I wouldn’t want to put a percentage on it. He’s recovering and improving day by day,” Pool boss Neil Critchley said.

“We’ve got 48 hours between now and Saturday, so we’ll give him as long and as much opportunity as we can. Fingers crossed he’s not skating around on the ice in training!”

If Madine is sidelined for a third straight game, Critchley is confident the Seasiders have enough options to make up for his absence.

“Gary has obviously been a massive asset for us this season, he’s become a real pivotal point of our team,” he added.

“You miss your best players, however Ellis (Simms) was going to play the other night and he’s shown already that he can score goals.

“He had a couple of chances in the game against Northampton as well so if it was him to take Gary’s place then it would provide him with a fantastic opportunity for him.

“We decided to play Elliot (Embleton) up behind Jerry (Yates) in the Ipswich game and I also felt he showed some real flashes of what sort of player he could be for us.

“We’ve got different players. Sullay (Kaikai) played in the number 10 role a lot last season, we’ve got different players that can play in different positions and throw up different problems for the opposition.

“But you obviously want your best players on the pitch for as many games as you can throughout the season.”

Matty Virtue was left out of Blackpool’s squad in midweek, prior to the game being called off, after suffering a dead leg in last weekend’s defeat against Ipswich Town.

However the midfielder, along with teammate Ethan Robson, should also come back into contention for Saturday’s test against third-placed Posh.

“Matty is expecting to train today,” Critchley said.

“He didn’t train on Monday as it was still sore, but he’s recovered and he’s okay, so I’m expecting him and Ethan to train.”

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