Blackpool pair could be back in training shortly

The duo have been self-isolating after returning positive Covid-19 tests, which saw them sit out the midweek defeat to Shrewsbury Town.

While Maxwell and Virtue have been given the green light to return, they won’t be available at the Memorial Stadium on Saturday alongside CJ Hamilton, who is facing at least two or three weeks out with a hamstring injury.

“CJ is out and he’s going to be out for a while,” Blackpool boss Neil Critchley said.

“Other than that, Maxi and Matty Virtue have seen the doctor and we’re expecting them to return to training very soon.

“They won’t be available for Saturday, but hopefully next week and looking ahead to the FA Cup game (against West Brom), they’ll have a chance of being involved in that.

“They have to do a return to training protocol, which obviously comes from the EFL, so we have to follow that process.”

With Maxwell sitting out a second game, emergency loanee Sam Walker will start in goal once again.

The Reading loanee, who made his debut in midweek, will spend another seven days with the Seasiders.

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