Matty Virtue ruled out once again for Blackpool but there's better news elsewhere on the injury front ahead of trip to Crewe Alexandra

The 23-year-old hasn’t featured for the Seasiders in the league this season, his only appearance coming off the bench in the Carabao Cup tie against Stoke City.

Virtue has since undergone a scan to assess the severity of the problem and, while Critchley refuses to put a timescale on his response, Blackpool’s head coach admits the injury is “niggling on” for longer than they would have liked.

There is better news regarding Sullay Kaikai and Oliver Sarkic though, who were both missing for last week’s defeat to Ipswich Town.

“Sullay and Oli have returned to training. Matty hasn’t yet,” Critchley told The Gazette.

“Sullay has been out for a few weeks but he’s trained this week. Oli played in the EFL Trophy against Accrington last Tuesday, so he only missed the game at the weekend before returning to training this week. He’ll be available as well.

“Matty has had a scan. It’s not quite clear yet. It’s been a frustrating time for him.

“I wouldn’t want to put a timeframe on it because I think it’s difficult. These things can improve quite quickly, but it’s niggling on a little bit longer than what he would like and what we would like.

“I wouldn’t want to say days or weeks, because I’m not 100 per cent certain.”