The injuries around the squad are ridiculous at the moment. Alongside two suspensions, we now have 11 first-team players possibly out, including Freddie Draper.
Some, like Tyler Walker, are long-term. Others, such as Ben House, are beginning to ease, whilst the likes of Lasse Sorensen will need assessing before we get too worried. However, it is an unprecedented situation that seems to escape many supporters, who believe we have signed crocks and unfit players. It’s not the case – many of the injured players have barely missed a week’s football in their career – Erhahon, Sorensen, House, and Hackett, to name four straight off the bat.
The hardest area to cover has been the front line, where we’ve been absolutely decimated. Tyler Walker is a long-term absentee, but what of Reeco Hackett and Ben House, arguably our two best-attacking players?
It’s borderline good news at first.
Reeco Hackett
There are a few supporters who think the loss of Reeco has been the biggest blow. He was in great form prior to his injury and certainly felt like a player who could offer a number of solutions across the front line.
Those fans who hope to see the former Portsmouth and Charlton man back in the side may not have to wait much longer. In his post-match interview from the Blackpool game, our head coach confessed Reeco could be available for Wycombe a week on Saturday. Michael Skubala
“We had a big discussion today (Blackpool) because we’re struggling so much for bodies and experience. Do we risk him today?
“We thought it’s just not worth the risk at the minute. But we should see him fully training for a full week this week. So hopefully, he’ll be in contention for the next game.”
That’s one back, but what of the others?
Ben House
There’s a firm belief that Ben House can be one of the best strikers in League One, with a run of matches. Last season’s leading scorer was a big hit when he first dropped into the first-team squad, but he’s been absent since we beat Sheffield United in the League Cup – the moment when it felt like it started to go wrong.
The initial prognosis was a return by the end of February, and Michael confessed that is still the case.
“We’re looking at the end of February with his markers. He’s going well. But it’s still looking to the end of February with Ben.”
Ethan Erhahon
Here are words I didn’t want to write – Ethan Erhahon could now be a serious injury concern as well. He was spotted on crutches and in a leg brace this weekend after coming off against Northampton on Friday.
It seems the extent of his injury is not yet clear, but those expecting him to return quickly will be disappointed.
“We don’t know because he’s not been able to have a scan yet, and his foot’s really swollen,” said Michael. “So that could be a lot longer, but we’re not sure about that one yet.”
Jack Burroughs and Sean Roughan
The list goes on and one. Burroughs and Roughan both appeared against Northampton, and both were absent for the trip to Blackpool.
However, we shouldn’t expect them to be out for a long time, as their injuries are soft tissue, bruising and the like, rather than anything more serious.
“They’re feeling muscle injuries, soft tissue injuries. They’re in the building but back into training by the end of this week and getting ready for the next game.”
Injury Situation
That’s Roughan, Burroughs and Hackett hopefully back for the Wycombe game, with Sorensen, Draper and Erhahon as yet undiagnosed. Walker, Montsma and House are long-term absences, with Mandroiu and O’Connor both suspended. 11 players, arguably nine or ten first team players.
It’s a situation I feel is unprecedented in my time supporting the club, and capping off his comments about injuries, Michael revealed he’s been told pretty much the same thing.
“You know when opposite managers are patting you on the back and saying, keep going, it’s a really weird incident. I speak to everybody in the club, and no one’s ever known it like this at the moment.
“We’ve got just to keep going. And I keep telling the group that we just got to keep going.”
We have to keep going, and supporters have to keep the faith.
You must be logged in to post a comment.