Blackpool injury concerns after FA Cup victory

Dan Ballard, Daniel Gretarsson and Grant Ward were all forced off the pitch on Saturday during Blackpool’s penalty shootout victory.

While the extent of their knocks aren’t yet known, head coach Neil Critchley admits that put a slight “dampener” on the day.

“Grant Ward got blurred vision because he got a finger in the eye, he couldn’t see properly,” he said.

“Assessing him now, he seems alright and he’s walking around and he’s talking, so we’re hoping he will be okay. I thought he was fantastic though.

“Dan Ballard came off after 90 minutes complaining of what we hope is cramp or muscle fatigue, but it could be his hamstring.

“Daniel Gretarsson was holding his hamstring as well, so I just hope we get some good news in the next 24 to 48 hours. Hopefully they settle down and it’s nothing too serious.

“Fingers crossed on those players.”

The Seasiders were also dealt an injury blow beforehand, with Keshi Anderson suffering a knock during training.

The midfielder was a surprise absentee from Blackpool’s 20-man squad – with nine substitutes now permitted – in the FA Cup at the weekend.

“He felt his hamstring on Friday in training, so unfortunately he walked off halfway through training which is unfortunate for him and us,” Critchley told The Gazette.

“Again, we just have to let it settle down in the next 48 hours, scan him and see what the severity of that injury is in the next few days.

“These knocks are probably the only downside of this victory, we’re just keeping our fingers crossed they’re not too bad.

“When you play against Premier League opposition you have to put in a physical shift with the way they keep the ball and the way they pass the ball.

“It’s a huge physical demand but our boys have done that.

“I’m just hopeful those boys aren’t too seriously injured.”

Blackpool’s postponed League One fixture against Rochdale has been rearranged for next month.

The Seasiders were due to welcome Brian Barry-Murphy’s side to Bloomfield Road on Boxing Day, only for the game to be called off on Christmas Day.

Rochdale informed the EFL they were unable to fulfil the fixture after a member of their squad tested positive for coronavirus.

The game will now take place on Tuesday, February 16, inbetween a home clash against Peterborough United and a trip to Portsmouth.

The club are still waiting to confirm a new date for their away game against Sunderland, which has already been postponed twice this season.

Blackpool were due to make the trip to the Stadium of Light on Tuesday, December 22, only for the Black Cats to call off the game following a Covid-19 outbreak.

The Seasiders were initially scheduled to take on Sunderland in October but the fixture was be postponed due to international call-ups.

Blackpool will also need to rearrange their league fixture against Accrington Stanley, which is scheduled to take place on Saturday, January 23.

The Seasiders will be in FA Cup fourth round action on that weekend instead.

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