Blackpool squad news V Cardiff City: Six out as one prepares to return
Blackpool take on Cardiff City at Bloomfield Road this afternoon.
Blackpool welcome Cardiff City to Bloomfield Road this afternoon.
The Seasiders picked up a rare win in their last League One outing – overcoming Peterborough United at the Weston Homes Stadium to lift themselves off the bottom of the third tier.
They backed that up with a 1-0 victory against Scunthorpe United in the first round of the FA Cup at the weekend.
Ian Evatt will be looking to make it three wins on the bounce at the start of his Blackpool reign later today, but it won’t be easy, with Cardiff currently sat third in the table.
After welcoming George Honeyman and Hayden Coulson back to action off the bench against the Iron, Michael Ihiekwe also comes into contention for the visit of the Bluebirds, but a number of others remain absent.
Here’s the latest Seasiders squad news:
Lee Evans
Blackpool will be without Lee Evans for this weekend’s game, with the midfielder serving a one-match ban after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season in the last league game.
James Husband
James Husband has been a constant inclusion on this list so far this season after undergoing surgery for a hamstring injury he picked up in a pre-season friendly away to Doncaster Rovers.
The club captain could be back in either next Tuesday’s EFL Trophy meeting with Tranmere Rovers or the following league game away to Burton Albion following his return to training this week.
“Hubby trained for the first time yesterday,” Evatt said on Wednesday.
“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.”
Albie Morgan
Albie Morgan was forced off with a calf issue at half time in last month’s 1-1 draw with Wycombe Wanderers.
A scan a few days later determined the midfielder would be out for around six weeks, but is believed to be progressing well.
Dale Taylor
Dale Taylor was withdrawn in the first half of the meeting with Stockport at the beginning of last month, with the striker suffering a serious hamstring injury.
Like Morgan, the summer signing is progressing well and could be back sooner than initially expected.
Niall Ennis
Niall Ennis picked up a calf injury in the first half of a 1-0 defeat away to Bradford City at the end of September.
Discussing the ex-Stoke City man’s progress last week, Evatt said: “Niall’s (Ennis) injury is quite a complex one, so I urge caution with that, but he’s doing great with his rehab.”
Danny Imray
Danny Imray was forced off on a stretcher in September’s draw with Luton Town after tearing his meniscus.
The Crystal Palace loanee had a meeting scheduled with Evatt during the week after undergoing his rehab with his parent club, and could be back in contention in the next few weeks.
“I’m excited to work with him because I think his strengths certainly suit what I want to do with the team,” the Blackpool boss said.
“There’s still a tiny bit of swelling in his knee that we are trying to eradicate. Crystal Palace are aligned on our thought process on when he’s going to get back - we’re hoping that in a couple of weeks he’ll be available for selection.
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