Neil Critchley explains why Luke Garbutt was missing for Blackpool's thrashing of Wigan Athletic

The left-back was a surprise absentee from Blackpool’s squad during last night’s 5-0 thrashing of Wigan Athletic.

The 27-year-old, who was in impressive form at the weekend in Pool’s FA Cup tie against Brighton, was left out as a precaution according to Pool’s head coach.

“He just felt his abductor on Monday, so we didn’t think it was a risk we should take at this moment in time,” Critchley told The Gazette.

“If he plays on it then it could become worse and then he’ll be missing for a number of weeks.

“But we’re hopeful him and Grant Ward will be available for Saturday with maybe a couple of the other boys returning from their self-isolation period.”

Garbutt’s absence meant that Blackpool were without at least 10 first-team players for last night’s clash at the DW Stadium.

Daniel Gretarson, Dan Ballard, Ollie Turton, Demetri Mitchell, Kenny Dougall, Grant Ward, Keshi Anderson and CJ Hamilton were all unavailable, while Jack Sims and Cameron Antwi haven’t featured in the last couple of games.

While Mitchell is expected to have finished his period of self-isolation in time for Saturday’s game against Burton, it might not be until next week against Northampton that further players return.

“They’re all good,” Critchley said.

“They’re all at different stages of when they’re going to be able to return.

“No-one has been feeling really poorly, they’ve all had different types of symptoms but nothing severe or serious. They’re all okay.

“They’ll all return at different times but we will welcome them back as soon as possible.”

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