Blackpool boss could be boosted as the Seasiders’ injury situation starts to ease

CJ Hamilton and Niall Ennis are both in line for a return to Blackpool’s squad for Saturday’s trip to AFC Wimbledon.

The pair were back in training this week, with a knee injury having ruled out Hamilton since the defeat at Barnsley on September 2.

Ennis, meanwhile, hasn’t featured since the Carabao Cup win at Grimsby Town which kicked off the season on August 8.

Hamstring and calf injuries have kept him out since, but he is set to provide Seasiders head coach Ian Evatt with another option in attack alongside Jerry Yates, Tom Bloxham, Dale Taylor and Dion Charles.

Fraser Horsfall and Josh Earl are both making progress with their respective ankle and foot injuries, while there was also positive news regarding Andy Lyons and Jordan Williams after their early exits from last weekend’s FA Cup win at Hornchurch.

Asked about the present injury position before training on Thursday, Evatt said: “Surprisingly more positive, we’re going up the rollercoaster!

“CJ and Niall returned to training earlier this week and they are fine.

“Andy and Jordan, their scans were really positive and they will train today.

“Fraser has had some more injections in his ankle and that’s feeling more positive, but we won’t know until he gets out on the grass next week.

“Josh is out of the boot, fingers crossed he starts to progress. He will have a scan next week.

“Everyone’s in a positive frame of mind, hopefully the squad can start coming back together and we continue to progress.”

With regard to having Hamilton and Ennis back at his disposal, Evatt acknowledged both players were different in terms of how quickly they heal.

He explained: “CJ is a fast healer, he’s a natural athlete so it looks effortless for him.

“With Niall and his record, he needs to be more cautious but both will be available for this weekend.”