Blackpool thought process behind former Exeter City man's eased return ahead of Plymouth Argyle meeting

Ilmari Niskanen has been slowly eased back into action for Blackpool across the last few weeks.

The wing-back, who made the move to Bloomfield Road from Exeter City at the start of the summer, endured a nightmare debut in Tangerine back in August.

Just 32 minutes into his first competitive outing for the Seasiders, which came away to Grimsby Town in the opening round of the Carabao Cup, the 28-year-old was forced off due to a shoulder injury.

Niskanen made his return to action off the bench away to Reading earlier this month, before being an unused substitute against Bromley last weekend.

Care will continue to be taken with the Finland international as his former Grecians rivals Plymouth Argyle visit the Fylde Coast on Saturday afternoon.

“It was a pretty significant injury,” Blackpool boss Ian Evatt said.

“You have to look at the opponents. Reading was more technical, so less emphasis on physicality duals and body contact.

“Bromley was the opposite, and Plymouth this weekend is the opposite.

“What we need to do with Ilmari is be slightly cautious because if it goes again then it’s an operation and surgery. While he recovers his muscle strength, we have to be aware of how quickly he’s returned.

“He’s getting better and better every day. He’s looked really good and really sharp in training. I don’t think he’s far away from being able to start again. We’ll monitor him on a day-to-day basis.”

Another player the Seasiders have been cautious with is Jerry Yates.

Since his return to Bloomfield Road on loan from Luton Town last month, the striker has just started once, but is edging towards more substantial minutes on a frequent basis.

“He didn’t have a pre-season, and when he did play and train, it was with the youth team,” Evatt added.

“It wasn’t ideal for him. Everyone wants him to play and everyone’s begging him to play. He scored on his debut, which lumps even more pressure on him and us.

“I think we’re getting the balance right. He’s looking better and sharper every single day, and we’ll see the benefit of that this season long-term.”