Blackburn Rovers‘ Jack Vale has been ruled out of action for at least two months while on loan at Motherwell.
The 23-year-old is on his second loan at the Scottish club, having played for the club at the back end of last season. John Eustace’s side sent him back north to see out a full season at Fir Park after two EFL Cup appearances for Rovers.
Vale scored in a cameo appearance during their away thrashing of Stockport County in the first round, but could not replicate his efforts as Blackburn crashed out in the second round to Lancashire rivals Blackpool. The striker also made matchday squads against Norwich City and Oxford United.
Motherwell are currently sixth in the Scottish Premiership but will be without the Welsh youth international for “at least 10 to 12 weeks” due to a calf injury, with Vale heading back to Blackburn to begin rehabilitation. The injury was sustained in training ahead of The Well’s Scottish League Cup clash with Dundee United.
He has only made two appearances for Stuart Kettlewell’s side, with former AFC Wimbledon forward Zach Robinson and Moses Ebiye leading the line for the majority of this season. The former has failed to score this season, whilst the Nigerian is the leading goalscorer this season with two.
Vale emerged through the academy at Ewood Park, being sent on loan to Rochdale and FC Halifax Town. After spending the 2022/23 season with his parent club, Vale was sent out to League One side Lincoln City but was recalled after 17 games in order to facilitate a move to Motherwell.
He scored three times in 14 games in North Lanarkshire, calling for The Steelmen to return for his services from Blackburn during the summer. Despite this, he has only appeared coming off of the bench against Aberdeen and St. Johnstone.
Rovers have thrived in front of goal this season, with their attack spearheaded by Yuki Ohashi with the club having scored the third-highest number of goals in the Championship this season. They are also one of three clubs yet to be defeated in the league, alongside table toppers West Bromwich Albion and Sheffield United.
They were shut out for the first time this season in a feisty Lancashire derby against Preston North End, seeing defender Owen Beck sent off minutes before the end of the game. He will serve a three-match game ban following an incident with Duane Holmes.
Writer’s View
An injury to Jack Vale is a blow at a time he was seeking to get some regular minutes at Motherwell. It was a promising initial loan spell in Scotland for him but being ruled out for a significant period has come at a time when his fellow striker in Zach Robinson has had a tough time in front of goal. He could have staked a claim for the starting spot at Fir Park but is now returning to his parent club for treatment.
Vale has never been a prolific striker across his career, with his season-best total being three during half-season stints at Halifax Town and Motherwell. His ability to cover in attacking midfield is an asset if he is not scoring regularly but upon his return to Lanarkshire, he was not given regular enough game time to make an impact before injury. Hopefully, he can return to action before the festive period ramps up and help the club try and reach the top six before the league splits in two next year.
