Blackpool manager Ian Evatt has used Liverpool's Mohamed Salah as an example in a discussion on injury prevention, with up to six first-team players unavailable for this weekend's match. The Seasiders host Bromley at Bloomfield Road with a squad stretched by fitness issues.
Evatt, 44, stated that injuries are a growing part of the modern game that players must accept. He contrasted today's data-driven environment with his own playing days, when training continued until a manager called a halt. "It’s the nature of the game at the moment," Evatt said.
Focus on prevention
The Blackpool boss emphasised that while innovation is now embedded in football, it may not always be beneficial. He pointed to the careful approach of players like Liverpool forward Salah as a model for others to follow in managing their bodies. "Injuries seem a lot more prevalent than they used to be," Evatt told reporters. "It’s part of the game, and players have to accept that."
Grant returns with Bromley
This weekend's fixture brings a reunion with Kamarl Grant. The 23-year-old joined Blackpool on loan from Millwall in January but suffered a season-ending ankle injury after just three appearances. He is now on loan at Bromley and will line up against his former club. Blackpool's current injury list complicates their preparation for the visit. The team sits 12th in League One with seven points from five matches, having lost their last two games.
Their most recent result was a 3-1 defeat away to Reading last weekend. Leighton Clarkson scored a consolation goal for Blackpool in the 80th minute. The squad will be looking to return to the form shown in their 4-0 victory over Peterborough at the end of August. A look at the upcoming fixtures shows the next league game is at home to Plymouth on September 19.
Despite the absentees, Evatt believes the overall squad strength heading into the Bromley match is relatively strong. The manager's comments reflect a broader focus on player welfare and conditioning as Blackpool handles a busy period. The club's detailed squad information is available for fans to check the latest roster.
