Up to date injury and squad news prior to Blackpool vs Shrewsbury Town at Bloomfield Road in EFL League One.
News on Blackpool’s team
With multiple players making their way back from lengthy injuries, the Tangerines’ injury list is starting to get clearer. Following several months out of the game due to a hamstring injury, Kyle Joseph returned to action last week.
After his injury, Kyle Joseph, a former striker for Oxford United and Swansea City, stated he is confident in his body and abilities, but manager Neil Critchley has a plan for him. Despite not playing many first-team minutes, Joseph did not play in the 2-1 victory over Morecambe in midweek. They will carefully manage his workload, so he might only be able to start and finish games for an hour.
One player who did play against Morecambe was Jordan Lawrence-Gabriel, who is recovering from a serious injury. He injured his knee at the end of April, and while his 45-minute cameo against the Shrimpers will put him in the running for a league game, he is still recovering from his injury and could only be considered as a substitute. Patience is crucial when dealing with a long-term injury.
Shayne Lavery did not receive a call from the Northern Ireland national team, but this game is one of several that have been postponed due to international calls. Due to a hamstring injury, the former Everton striker will be sidelined for at least the next few weeks. For Lavery, who had scored three goals in his previous four games and was rediscovering his goal-scoring form, it comes at the wrong time.
Ollie Norburn, the club captain, is questionable even though he just got back last week. He had a neck issue that kept him out for several weeks, but last week against Bolton, he cracked his ribs. Meanwhile, Tayt Trusty was carried off the pitch against Morecambe with what appeared to be a broken leg.
Despite having resumed training and added more sessions, Matty Virtue’s hamstring injury still prevents him from playing, and this game comes too soon for him.
Out: Matty Virtue, Tayt Trusty, Shayne Lavery. Doubtful: Ollie Norburn.
Shrewsbury Town squad news: Matt Taylor will not be able to use Ryan Finnigan, Morgan Feeney, George Nurse, Ryan Phillips, or Brandon Fleming this weekend.
Forward Phillips suffered a knee injury at the end of October, which has sidelined him for three months. He arrived at The New Meadow on loan from Huddersfield Town, but he hasn’t scored since. He won’t be able to make an impact until at least the New Year.
In a strange incident back in August, former Bristol City defender Nurse tore his anterior cruciate ligament. Due to a similar injury, he missed the majority of the previous season. According to the most recent news from our sister publication, the Shropshire Star, he is back in the gym working out with his teammates.
