Status of ex-Sheffield Wednesday and Rotherham United figure confirmed for Blackpool amid sending off
Michael Ihiekwe will not feature again this season for Blackpool after undergoing surgery on a toe issue.
Blackpool will have a defensive puzzle to solve for their meeting with Wycombe Wanderers next weekend.
While there were plenty of positives from Saturday afternoon’s 3-1 victory over Peterborough United, Fraser Horsfall’s second half sending off will create a headache for the next two games as he serves a suspension.
The Seasiders’ natural centre back options include Olly Casey and James Husband in the 29-year-old’s absence, while Reuell Walters and Zac Ashworth have been utilised in a back three in the past.
A defensive four could also be utilised with Hayden Coulson at left back.
One option closed off to head coach Ian Evatt is the use of Michael Ihiekwe - with the centre back having received treatment for a toe injury.
The summer signing has been battling with the issue over several months with steroid injections required to get him through games.
Sharing the next on the 33-year-old, Evatt said: “He’s had surgery - we had no choice, he’s on the recovery trail.”
Past praise for Blackpool defender after efforts
Ihiekwe has endured a tough time in Tangerine so far, with the ex-Rotherham United and Sheffield Wednesday promotion winner unable to find form due to injury.
Evatt has repeatedly praised the defender for simply putting himself forward for selection despite the pain he’s had to endure.
“I’m a massive fan of his, I’m a massive fan of his character and him as a player,” the Seasiders head coach said back in January.
“I don’t think we’ve seen the best of him, but I’ve spoken about the context behind that, and it’s important that I make the fans understand this lad has been playing 50 percent fit for the cause when we’ve not had the options we needed.
“He put himself forward, playing through the pain barrier to his own detriment at times, but he carried on doing it for the sake of the team. I’ve got nothing but great words to say about him.”
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