Blackpool midfielder George Honeyman is facing another spell on the sidelines after picking up a calf injury. Head coach Ian Evatt confirmed the 29-year-old will be unavailable for several weeks, dealing a blow to a side that just secured its first league win in seven games. The team's recent form of one win, one draw and three losses in their last five matches shows the challenge of maintaining momentum without him.
Honeyman sustained the issue to his other calf in the 2-0 victory over Milton Keynes Dons on Tuesday and was substituted at half-time. "George is going to be out for a few weeks," Evatt said. "He’s picked up a calf injury, the other calf to the one he injured prior." The setback comes in only his third appearance since returning from a previous layoff.
Anderson's return
Karoy Anderson, who scored the opening goal in that midweek win, is in line to be available for selection against Mansfield Town. Anderson found the net in the 69th minute against MK Dons, with Josh Bowler providing the assist. Evatt stated that Anderson, who was also substituted late on Tuesday, "looks fine at the minute." Meanwhile, striker Niall Ennis is closing in on a return to training after being out since the opening day with hamstring and calf problems, though he is not yet ready for match action.
Clarkson steps in
Leighton Clarkson replaced Honeyman at the interval against MK Dons and immediately provided added calmness and control in midfield. Evatt praised the midfielder's understanding of space, suggesting the change might have been made regardless of the injury. "Leighton sees pictures that others probably can't - and don't - see," the Blackpool boss said.
Defensive progress
In further positive news, defender Fraser Horsfall joined in training for the first time on Thursday as he steps up his return from an ankle injury sustained in April. Fellow defender CJ Hamilton is also progressing with on-grass rehab following a knee issue. There is no update on Michael Ihiekwe’s long-standing toe injury.
Blackpool, who sit 17th in League One with 11 points from 10 games, welcome a Mansfield side that beat them 4-1 just last week. That defeat on Saturday 24 October was part of a difficult run that also included losses to Leyton Orient and Cambridge United. With a record of three wins, two draws and five losses this season, and having conceded 16 goals while scoring 15, the team is 11 points behind leaders Stockport County. Evatt's men will be looking to build on Tuesday's result and secure consecutive wins for the first time this season. They then face a tough trip to seventh-placed Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday 1 November.
More detail at lythamstannesexpress.co.uk
