Seasiders' striker Vassell closes in on Blackpool return

Blackpool's top goalscorer Kyle Vassell is getting 'very close' to a return according to manager Gary Bowyer.
Kyle Vassell is nearing a return to Blackpools starting line-upKyle Vassell is nearing a return to Blackpools starting line-up
Kyle Vassell is nearing a return to Blackpools starting line-up

The striker has been sidelined with a hamstring injury he picked up in the defeat to Rotherham United at the start of December.

When asked for an update last week, Bowyer revealed there was no time frame for his return but he has since made excellent progress.

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But the Pool boss does not expect him to return for at least another week or two, and certainly won’t be available for today’s home game against Bristol Rovers.

“Kyle Vassell is getting very close and he’s progressed ever so well,” he said.

“I’m not going to put a time frame on it but it’s going to be at least another week or two.”

There is no such positive news for fellow striker Mark Cullen, who is still some way off making a return.

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The 25-year-old has been out of action for almost five months having last played against Doncaster Rovers in August.

Jim McAlister, meanwhile, could go straight into Blackpool’s squad today having made a successful return from injury during the Checkatrade Trophy defeat to Shrewsbury Town.

The midfielder came off the bench to play his first minutes since fracturing his tibia in the 1-1 draw with Colchester United in February last year.

Armand Gnanduillet could come back into contention but Dolly Menga remains injured.