Blackpool situation outlined for ex-Rotherham United and Sheffield Wednesday defender following recent setbacks
Michael Ihiekwe is expected to be available for Blackpool this weekend after several injury setbacks.
Blackpool are hopeful Michael Ihiekwe will be in contention for their meeting with Wigan Athletic this weekend.
The defender has missed the Seasiders’ last three outings, as he continues to battle with a toe injury.
For the Fylde Coast outfit’s recent away games against Bolton Wanderers and Lincoln City, the 33-year-old was unable to feature in any capacity despite being initially expected to feature in both fixtures.
Ihiekwe has been receiving steroid injections to relieve his discomfort since the turn of the year, but that has still presented limitations.
The experienced figure has won several promotions from League One throughout his career, with both Rotherham United and Sheffield Wednesday, but has struggled to find consistency in Tangerine since his summer move - with his long-term injury being a mitigating factor behind that.
Surgery at the end of the season has already been bookmarked for the centre back, but will come no sooner due to his services still being required in Blackpool’s current relegation battle in the third tier.
Blackpool boss delivers injury latest on injury-hit defender
Like the past few weeks, Ihiekwe is expected to be available for Saturday afternoon.
Head coach Ian Evatt once again highlighted the issues the defender has faced in the last few months amid his most recent setbacks.
“It’s hard, it’s been a really hard year for him; it’s been a really hard year for everyone,” he said.
“He’s not been able to show what he’s capable of. There’s nothing we can do about that now until the summer.
“The summer is huge for everyone but for us we need to get there knowing we’re still in this division and Michael is a part of that.”
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