Blackpool receive 'indifferent' news on players that suffered knocks during FA Cup upset against West Brom

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

Keshi Anderson, meanwhile, picked up a knock in training the day before the Seasiders’ third round tie.

When asked for the prognosis on Pool’s injured players, head coach Neil Critchley told The Gazette: “Indifferent, if I’m honest.

“Danny Ballard came off between full-time and extra-time (holding his hamstring) but we’re hopeful he’s going to be okay for Saturday. We’re hopeful Luke Garbutt (abductor) will be back as well.

“Daniel Gretarsson and Keshi Anderson (both hamstring), although Keshi wasn’t involved in that game, they look as though they’re going to be longer.

“Keshi is going to see a specialist on Friday or Saturday, so we’ll wait to hear the outcome of that.

“Daniel is going to be out for a few weeks, so the news is a little bit indifferent. To get those knocks was a slight dampener after the game on Saturday.

“But it is what it is. We’ve got players within the squad who can take their place and opportunity will knock for somebody within the squad over the next few weeks.”

As for Ward, who came off with blurred vision after being poked in the eye, Critchley added: “Grant is fine, there are no problems or issues with him. He’s training as usual.”

Critchley will also be hoping his players come through today’s Covid-19 testing unscathed ahead of Saturday’s game against Hull City.

“We’re being tested today. We’re training this afternoon and then we’ll be testing straight after,” Pool’s head coach added.

“Fingers crossed we get a clean bill of health.”

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