Neil Critchley issues fresh squad update ahead of Blackpool’s trip to AFC Wimbledon

The Seasiders came through Saturday’s much-needed 1-0 win against MK Dons unscathed, with no players picking up any knocks.

Luke Garbutt, Matty Virtue and Keshi Anderson remain sidelined with injuries, while James Husband will serve the second game of his two-match ban.

Other than that, Critchley will have a full complement of players to choose from.

“There are no injury concerns after Saturday’s game, which is always a bonus,” Pool’s head coach said.

“Matty Virtue is going for a scan today, so we’re hopeful of good news about him.

“Keshi started doing a little bit of work on the pitch, but only during the back end of last week and Luke Garbutt is not quite there, so they won’t be back this week.”

Given the unusual circumstances in which last season ended and the time that lapsed before this campaign got underway, Critchley says injuries will only become more and more common.

“Particularly this season with the different circumstances, it’s completely different with players not having played for six months and some players have had more of a pre-season than others,” he added.

“Even little things like access to facilities, during Covid lots of the players couldn’t go to gyms so they’re losing strength within their body and muscles, which has played its part in some of the injuries you see right around the country.

“It is what it is, we’ve got some games coming up and it gives other players an opportunity and hopefully those other boys will be back sooner rather than later.”

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