Recent absence of ex-Rotherham United and Sheffield Wednesday defender explained as Blackpool plan is explained
Michael Ihiekwe has missed Blackpool’s last two games - but could be back to face Lincoln City at the weekend.
Blackpool opted to rest Michael Ihiekwe against Bolton Wanderers at the weekend ahead of their next fixture away to Lincoln City on Saturday afternoon.
The experienced figure has won several promotions from League One throughout his career, with both Rotherham United and Sheffield Wednesday, but has struggled to find consistency in Tangerine - with a long-term injury being a mitigating factor behind that.
For the majority of his time at Bloomfield Road since his summer switch, the 33-year-old has struggled with a toe problem.
After missing several matches completely either side of the Christmas period, Ihiekwe has received steroid injections to help ease the problem.
While this has provided some short-term relief, the Seasiders have still been forced to manage his game time, with two matches a week proving too much for the centre back.
Ihiekwe’s ongoing battle with the injury has forced him to miss Blackpool’s recent outings against Mansfield Town and Bolton Wanderers, but he is set to return against Lincoln City at the weekend.
“He’s still struggling with this toe,” head coach Ian Evatt explained.
“It hadn’t settled in the way we would’ve liked post Saturday, and with Lincoln coming up, which is a completely different challenge in terms of aerial dominance, we decided to fix the toe the best we can to have his physicality on the pitch for next week.”
Blackpool midfielder shares message after season is brought to an early conclusion
Another player who has struggled with injury this season is Albie Morgan, with the midfielder now ruled out for the remainder of the campaign.
The ex-Charlton Athletic man underwent surgery on an ankle problem last week, and took to social media on Friday to reflect on how it went.
“A very tough 18 months to say the least,” he wrote.
“Gutted to have my season cut short and miss the remaining games. Surgery was a success and I will now follow the next steps in due time to build myself back up to full fitness.
“Thank you to everyone for the support and messages. For now I will watch on and continue supporting the boys in an important end to the season.”
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