Blackpool squad news V Harrogate Town: Five ruled out of EFL Trophy tie
Blackpool take on Harrogate Town in the EFL Trophy this evening (K.O. 7pm).
Blackpool’s injury crisis is starting to ease - but they will still be without a number of players for their EFL Trophy tie against Harrogate Town.
The Seasiders will welcome a break from League One action on the back of their 3-0 defeat to Reading on Saturday afternoon, with an FA Cup tie with Carlisle United also set to follow their midweek trip to North Yorkshire.
In his side’s last outing in the EFL Trophy against Tranmere Rovers, Ian Evatt opted to provide opportunities to a number of young players, and could consider some of them again.
Meanwhile, he will also look to hand minutes to a number of first-team players, including James Husband - who is looking to make his first start of the season.
The club captain recently made his return from injury off the bench away to Leyton Orient, after undergoing hamstring surgery in the summer, with a start against Harrogate seemingly being the natural next step for the 31-year-old.
While Husband is available, a number of others are still ruled out for now.
Here’s the latest squad news:
Danny Imray
Danny Imray looks set to be the next Blackpool player to return to action following a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
The Crystal Palace loanee was forced off on a stretcher in September’s draw with Luton Town after tearing his meniscus, and has been out of action since.
It’s hoped the wing-back could make his return to action this weekend against Carlisle.
Josh Bowler
Josh Bowler exited early in last month’s 3-1 victory over Cardiff City due to a calf problem.
It is hoped the 26-year-old, along with some of his colleagues, will be back in training by the end of this week, which could open the door to a potential return against Rotherham United or Lincoln City.
Albie Morgan
Albie Morgan has also been progressing well in his recovery from a calf injury, and like Bowler could be back in full training by the end of the week after spending the past fortnight back on the grass doing some physical work.
Dale Taylor
Dale Taylor falls into the same category as the two players above, with the striker closing in for a return.
The 21-year-old has been out of action since the beginning of October after picking up a serious hamstring injury away to Stockport County.
Niall Ennis
Niall Ennis is a little further away than his colleagues, but has recently received a positive update.
Discussing the striker’s situation after last month’s 1-1 draw with Leyton Orient, Evatt said: “ Niall (Ennis) had great news. His scan was excellent, as good as we could’ve hoped for. His achilles is healing really well. We’re probably looking at three to four weeks.”
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