What injury to Millwall defender means for Blackpool heading into final hours of the window
Kamarl Grant’s time with Blackpool has come to an end due to injury.
Kamarl Grant has been ruled out for the remainder of the season - just three weeks on from his move to Blackpool.
The defender made the switch to Bloomfield Road on loan from Millwall last month, and started three consecutive games for Ian Evatt’s side at the start of his spell.
In the Seasiders’ 2-1 defeat to Stockport County on Tuesday night, the 22-year-old was among the three players who were forced off through injury - with George Honeyman and Joel Randall also exiting early.
After undergoing a scan on his ankle ahead of Saturday’s 1-0 defeat Luton Town, it was confirmed Grant required surgery, and would be out of action until next season.
Here’s what that means for Blackpool:
Blackpool’s loan terms
From a financial point of view, it’s currently unclear and undecided on how things will progress.
Grant’s loan spell has all-but come to an end. He won’t play for the club again and he will undergo his rehab with Millwall, but the deal between the two clubs was in place until the end of the season.
It remains something for both parties to iron out in the coming days to see if the loan can be formally cancelled mutually.
Impact on further loan signings
While the ins and outs may need clarification, this will not impact the Seasiders’ ability to sign additional players before today’s 7pm deadline.
The five loanees rule refers to matchday squads, meaning there would be nothing to stop the Fylde Coast outfit exploring that market further.
With Bailey Peacock-Farrell signing a permanent deal last week, Joel Randall and Michael Obafemi are the only players currently on loan, which would leave three available slots when everyone’s fit.
The formalities of ending Grant’s deal wouldn’t impact Blackpool’s ability to add further temporary additions due to the fact he won’t be back in the matchday squad this season.
Blackpool’s shortage of defensive options
The use of the loan market may very well be needed to fill a number of gaps in Evatt’s squad - including the back three.
Grant’s injury comes as a blow, as his signing was meant to offer that extra bit of depth.
Fraser Horsfall isn’t set to be out for as long as initially expected due to a hamstring injury, but cover could still be required until he’s full up and running again, especially with Michael Ihiekwe unable to play twice a week due to his ongoing toe problem.
That leaves just Olly Casey and James Husband as the fully fit options in that area of the pitch. Zac Ashworth can also cover, but business would need to be done at wing-back to free him up.
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