Blackpool handed additional injury boost ahead of Cardiff City test - while wait continues for another
Blackpool take on Cardiff City at Bloomfield Road this weekend.
Michael Ihiekwe has returned to training this week ahead of Blackpool’s League One meeting with Cardiff City on Saturday afternoon.
After lifting themselves off the bottom of the third tier with a 2-1 victory against Peterborough United just under a fortnight ago, the Seasiders will be looking to build further momentum under new head coach Ian Evatt.
Ihiekwe was absent for the trip to the Weston Homes Stadium, as well as last weekend’s 1-0 win over Scunthorpe United in the first round of the FA Cup, after being stretchered off in the closing stages of a 1-1 draw with Wycombe Wanderers last month.
Despite falling awkwardly while challenging for the ball, initial concerns weren’t as serious as first thought.
Concussion protocols kept him out of the Posh win, while additional caution was taken for the Iron’s visit to Bloomfield Road.
Injury latest
Evatt states Ihiekwe will be back in contention for the Cardiff test, while George Honeyman and Hayden Coulson will also be competing for places in the starting XI after being introduced off the bench last Saturday.
“We’ve got some positive news I’m pleased to say,” he said.
“Michael trained yesterday and was fine, so he’s back available. There were no issues post Saturday for George Honeyman and Hayden Coulson, so they’re available.”
Husband making progress
Club captain James Husband is also closing in on a return to action after missing the entirety of the season so far after undergoing hamstring surgery in the summer.
While the 31-year-old isn’t expected back for the Cardiff game, he could feature against either Tranmere Rovers in the EFL Trophy or the following league fixture away to Burton Albion.
“Hubby trained for the first time yesterday,” Evatt added.
“He’s probably not going to be ready for Saturday but we’ll increase his load as the week goes on, and hopefully if not Tuesday, he’ll be ready for next Saturday.
“He knows what it takes to win in this division and we’ve got a few of those who are very experienced. Michael is one of those guys, George is very experienced.
“Having those back around the group is a real bonus for me, I’m looking forward to working with them. Training was excellent yesterday, the group was a lot more vibrant. It was energised from having senior players back around - which is good to see.”
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