Blackpool FC boss Ian Evatt has provided an injury update ahead of the club's first round cup match against Grimsby Town this weekend.
Why it matters for Blackpool
The Seasiders are set to welcome players back from injury just in time for the new season, but Fraser Horsfall won't be one of them. Horsfall took part in Monday's open training at Bloomfield Road, but has been hit with fresh complications after undergoing ankle surgery back in April. In a statement, Evatt said: 'We've done a lot of work in pre-season. We've had some issues, but if you went across most of the squads in the EFL, most have encountered similar issues.' Evatt also confirmed that Leighton Clarkson, Albie Morgan, and George Honeyman are all set to be involved despite being unavailable for match action in recent weeks. Meanwhile, Dion Charles is set to start his recovery from a foot problem, with Michael Ihiekwe still unavailable and Tom Bloxham 50/50. Blackpool are set to face Grimsby Town in the first round of the EFL Cup on Saturday afternoon. League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 13th in League One, 60 pts, 17W-9D-20L from 46 games, recent form WWWWL. Goals this season: 54 scored, 65 conceded (-11 goal difference). Title race: 43 points behind leaders Lincoln. Last result: Reading 0-1 Blackpool (2026-05-02). Recent form (last 5): 5W-0D-0L (WWWWW, most recent first); on a 5-game winning run. Next fixture: vs Leicester (at home, 2026-10-03).
