Blackpool's squad looking stretched for midweek encounter against Northampton Town

Bez Lubala was the latest player to pick up a knock having fallen awkwardly on his ankle during Saturday's 1-1 draw with Hull City.

The winger was taken off as a result and will continue to be assessed before Tuesday night's meeting with the Cobblers.

Blackpool boss Neil Critchley also revealed this morning that Dan Ballard, who suffered a head wound at the KCOM Stadium at the weekend, also has an issue with his hip.

The Arsenal loanee, who will also be assessed later today, had to have his head bandaged and returned to the pitch wearing a numberless shirt.

Grant Ward, meanwhile, also felt a tight hamstring following Saturday's game.

“Bez came off, so we’re assessing him this morning and we’re training this afternoon. We’ll see about him," Critchley told The Gazette this lunchtime.

“Danny Ballard is okay with his eye, but he also has a slight hip problem after the game on Saturday.“Again, he was assessed on Sunday as we were in for training but we’re looking at him again today.

"Grant Ward also felt a tight hamstring a little bit following the game on Saturday, but again we're still assessing him and we're still hopeful.

We’re still hopeful on those players."

The Seasiders are already having to do without Daniel Gretarsson, Keshi Anderson and CJ Hamilton, who are all out injured.

Anderson revealed over the weekend he had undergone surgery and could potentially miss the remainder of the campaign.

With Dan Kemp leaving the club last week to join League Two side Leyton Orient and with Ben Woodburn's loan deal running out yesterday, that leaves Pool especially short on numbers in the attacking third of the pitch.

Demetri Mitchell, a left-back who is also capable of playing further up the pitch, was left out against Hull at the weekend as a precaution.

Blackpool also announced on January 7 that two positive Covid-19 tests had been returned following a mandatory round of testing.

A further round of testing is taking place today.

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