Neil Critchley on Keshi Anderson's surgery, Dan Ballard's head wound and Bez Lubala's knock following Blackpool's draw at Hull City

Neil Critchley has wished Keshi Anderson a speedy recovery after the Blackpool midfielder underwent surgery that will keep him out for the remainder of the campaign.
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The 25-year-old posted the news on his Twitter page on Saturday evening, having missed Blackpool's 1-1 draw with Hull City.

The midfielder has been missing since suffering a hamstring injury prior to last week's FA Cup win against West Brom.

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In his post, Anderson admitted he was “absolutely gutted” to be out for so long but has pledged to come back stronger.

“It’s a blow because Keshi was beginning to show what he was capable of,” Critchley told The Gazette.

“You think about the goal against Portsmouth and the goal he scored against Hull in the first game, he was coming into a good run of form.

“Like a lot of players in the team, he’s had to adapt to the level and I think he was growing into confidence and looking fit and strong, so it is a blow.

Ballard needed treatment for a head wound on SaturdayBallard needed treatment for a head wound on Saturday
Ballard needed treatment for a head wound on Saturday
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“He’s had surgery. I haven’t spoken to him yet, but I will do. We wish him a speedy recovery and we hope he’s well.

“We look forward to getting him back.”

Anderson’s news comes as a major blow for the Seasiders, who are already without CJ Hamilton through hamstring injury.

That leaves Pool short in the attacking third of the pitch, with Dan Kemp being recalled from his loan by West Ham on Friday to pave way for a permanent switch to League Two side Leyton Orient.

Demetri Mitchell, meanwhile, was left out as a precaution.

Blackpool, who are also missing Daniel Gretarsson in the centre of defence, would have been sweating when Dan Ballard took a nasty knock in their game at the KCOM Stadium yesterday.

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The Arsenal loanee required treatment for a head wound and eventually returned to the pitch sporting a bandage and a numberless shirt.

“I told him at half-time, this is the reason you came here, for this type of football. It’s not quite Under-23s football. I know the difference and he’s experienced it against Hull,” Critchley said.

“These are the games you want, tough games, tough opponents.

“He knew the centre forward (Josh Magennis) he was playing against from their international team.

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“He’s got a cut which they glued at half-time and he’ll probably have to have a couple of stitches.

“I’m not sure it’ll worry him too much, it won’t ruin his good looks anyway.”

Bez Lubala was taken off just before the hour-mark as a precaution after going down for treatment, with Matty Virtue taking his place on the pitch.

“He just caught his foot in the ground and went over on his ankle a little bit, so I didn’t want to take any risk because we have a lot of games coming up,” Critchley explained.

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“I think he’s okay. I’ve not spoken to the physio yet and I’ve not seen him, but hopefully we get some good news with him.”

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