Blackpool boss Ian Evatt provides encouraging injury update ahead of crucial Reading contest
Blackpool return to Bloomfield Road this weekend to face Reading in League One.
Ian Evatt is encouraged by Blackpool’s improving injury situation.
But the head coach has made it clear that none of the Seasiders’ current five absentees won’t be in contention to face Reading this weekend
Last Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Leyton Orient saw three members of Blackpool’s injured cohort complete their respective comebacks, with Hayden Coulson, James Husband and Bailey Peacock-Farrell all featuring in the capital.
But after recent fitness problems there is light at the end of the tunnel for Evatt, who is yet to have a fully fit squad at his disposal following his appointment last month.
Ian Evatt provides encouraging Blackpool injury update
Danny Imray (knee), Niall Ennis (calf), Albie Morgan (calf), Dale Taylor (hamstring) and Josh Bowler (calf) are all expected to return over the next few weeks to ease the burden on Evatt’s squad.
While the Seasiders boss is encouraged by Blackpool’s promising injury situations, he doesn’t expect any of his five current absentees to feature against Reading on Saturday.
He said in his pre-match press conference: ‘In terms of that, no different to who was available last week. Obviously players are getting closer and closer to fitness.
‘Last week we got some good news with Niall so he’s progressing, Danny is back up with us now so he’ll be back available very shortly and the same with Albie and Dale, there’s been no hiccups there.
‘It’s getting better and better but I wouldn’t think anyone would be ready for Saturday just yet.’
Blackpool head into the latest round of League One action currently sat 22nd in League One, with a win on Saturday potentially moving them back out of the relegation zone.
And Evatt believes competition levels will ramp up within his squad with further returning faces set to be welcomed back into the side over the course of the festive period.
A much-needed boost ahead of festive period
‘The players will notice and feel a difference in terms of having a deeper, more rounded squad.
‘I think the training level will go up as well because these are very good players that we are missing at the moment and players that will make a difference to our first XI. We’re going to notice that change and we’re all ready for it.
‘But the players that we’ve had available have worked really tirelessly hard to try and improve and get us results and up to speed.
‘It’s obviously been a challenging period for everybody and it’s been a little bit inconsistent.
‘We’ve had spells in games or haven’t put in a 90-minute performance together but when we are trying to learn on the job it’s not easy.
‘So we’ve had some highs and lows but we have picked up points. If we win on Saturday, which we are hopeful we can, that will be 10 points in five league games which is two points a game and we all know what two points a game gives you. That will be extremely positive.
‘We’ve had three away games out of four at the moment so - as I said - been a little bit inconsistent but we are working very hard to try and fix that, and when the players return I think we’ll start to improve quickly and gain that consistency.
‘But I can’t speak highly enough of the players, their attitude and learning and wanting to improve is there for me to see every day so that’s all I can ask as a coach.’