Wycombe Wanderers striker Dan Udoh is a significant doubt for their EFL Cup clash against Aston Villa after suffering a head injury.
Udoh, who has made an impressive start to life at Wycombe with three goals in nine appearances since his summer move from Shrewsbury Town, was forced off early in their 2-1 victory over Cambridge United. The 27-year-old sustained a blow to the head after being struck by a James Gibbons clearance in the opening minute of the match and was replaced by Kieran Sadlier after just 20 minutes.
Wycombe manager Matt Bloomfield confirmed after the game that Udoh’s substitution was due to a concussion, and under current head injury protocols, he is unlikely to feature in Tuesday’s eagerly anticipated third-round EFL Cup tie against Premier League side Aston Villa. Speaking to Bucks Free Press, Bloomfield said, “Dan is OK, but I am not happy with the incident that led to him coming off.”
Udoh’s absence would be a significant blow to Wycombe ahead of a match expected to attract a near-sell-out crowd of 8,000 at Adams Park. The terrace and away sections are already sold out, with fans eager to witness the Chairboys’ first meeting with Villa in this competition in 19 years. The two sides last met in any competition during the third round of the FA Cup in the 2015/16 season, where a 1-1 draw at Adams Park forced a replay that Villa won 2-0 at Villa Park.
Regarding Udoh’s status, Bloomfield remained cautious, saying: “Dan has been a real diamond for us since joining, but we need to look after him and check to see how he is feeling. Head injuries and concussions are severe, and if there is one person who knows that, then it’s me, due to what happened in my career.”
Concussion Protocol
If a player is withdrawn from a game due to a suspected concussion under the EFL concussion protocol, they are immediately substituted and begin a structured recovery process. The protocol mandates that the player be assessed by the club’s medical team, who determine if the player shows any signs of concussion. If so, the player must be removed from the match, and a concussion substitute is allowed without it counting against the team’s regular substitution limit. This ensures the injured player is taken out of play for proper medical attention, prioritising their health over competitive concerns.
Once withdrawn, the player enters a graduated return-to-play protocol, which includes a rest period followed by a step-by-step reintroduction to physical activity. The player can only resume light training once they are symptom-free, and they must be gradually cleared for more intensive exercises before returning to full training and match play. Medical clearance from a specialist is required before participating in any competitive matches, with a minimum of six days between the concussion and a potential return to play. This careful approach aims to minimize the risk of further injury, ensuring the player’s full recovery before they rejoin competitive football.
Writer’s View
Dan Udoh’s injury is an unfortunate setback for Wycombe ahead of what could be one of their biggest games of the season. He’s been a key player since his arrival, bringing energy and goals to the team, and his absence will leave a noticeable gap in the Wanderers’ attack. Bloomfield is right to be cautious, though, as head injuries are not something to be taken lightly, especially in a contact-heavy sport like football.
From a tactical standpoint, Udoh’s potential absence might force Bloomfield to lean more on players like Kieran Sadlier or Sam Vokes to provide that attacking threat. While Aston Villa will come in as heavy favourites, Wycombe have the chance to make it a special night at Adams Park, and even without Udoh, they will look to use the home crowd and their underdog status to cause an upset.
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