Blackpool head coach Ian Evatt has provided a mixed injury update following the team's 3-1 defeat at Reading, confirming two key returns but two significant new absences. The news comes as the Seasiders sit 11th in the League One table with seven points from their opening five matches, a position detailed in the current standings.
Reporting by the Blackpool Gazette states that Jordan Brown and Ilmari Niskanen both made their comebacks at the Select Car Leasing Stadium. Brown had been sidelined since suffering a seizure after the season opener against Wycombe Wanderers, while Niskanen recovered from a shoulder injury sustained on his debut away to Grimsby Town in early August.
Evatt acknowledged the positive step of having more options available. "It was good to get them both back," the Blackpool boss said. The 44-year-old, appointed in October, has consistently dealt with a thin squad due to injuries. Their returns offer a timely boost ahead of two important home fixtures in the next fortnight, starting with a match against Bromley on September 12. Fans can track the upcoming schedule on the club's fixtures page.
The returning duo's involvement was offset by fresh injury blows. Winger CJ Hamilton is set to miss the next 10 to 12 weeks due to a serious knee issue. Midfielder George Honeyman will also be unavailable until after the upcoming international break because of a calf problem. This continues a frustrating pattern for Evatt, who noted the club's ongoing personnel challenges. "We’ve of course lost CJ (Hamilton) and George (Honeyman), which is one in, one out with us, it always has been since I’ve been here, so it’s frustrating," he admitted.
The injury situation has impacted consistency during the early phase of the campaign. The loss at Reading followed a 2-1 defeat away to Barnsley last week. Blackpool have scored nine goals and conceded seven, giving them a positive goal difference of two. They currently trail league leaders Sheffield Wednesday by five points. Getting key players back fit and integrating them will be vital for building momentum and climbing the table.
The immediate focus shifts to preparation for the next match. Blackpool host 21st-placed Bromley at Bloomfield Road this Saturday. Evatt remains hopeful that more players will rejoin the group over the coming weeks, which would provide much-needed depth. Supporters can view the full roster and its availability on the official squad list. The team will be aiming to use their home advantage to improve on a recent form line that reads LLWWD.
