Blackpool are set to face Burton Albion this weekend but have been hit with the news that a key star will be out of action.
After suffering a shoulder injury in The Tangerine’s brilliant win away at Huddersfield Town, Dom Ballard will be missing for the near future. The Southampton loanee has been a regular in the Blackpool squad, playing seven times and scoring once against Cambridge United.
Former Sheffield Wednesday boss Steve Bruce confirmed in the press conference before they face The Brewers that Ballard will be missing, saying (Quotes via Blackpool Gazette): “The disappointing one is young Dom, who’s unfortunately got a shoulder injury. I’ve been advised it’s going to be at least two or three weeks, so that’s a blow for us because he’s been exceptional in what he’s done for us.
“He’s been a huge handful with what he’s done up top with Kyle (Joseph), so it’s a big miss for us.
“He’ll do his rehabilitation up here. The kid wants to train today, which is typical of him, but we’ll have to err on caution.
“When you play games so much, you’re going to pick up injuries – it’s part and parcel of it.”
The Seasiders have had a promising start to life under Bruce following the decision to sack Neil Critchley earlier in the season. Since arriving he has beaten Charlton Athletic and Huddersfield, propelling the club into ninth place ahead of this weekend’s action.
Conceding has been the biggest issue for Blackpool this season, letting in the joint-most goals in the third tier alongside bottom club Cambridge. The worries have been alleviated by the output at the other end of the pitch, scoring 13 times so far.
They face a Burton Albion side still seeking their first win of the season, but who have made a habit of drawing. Of the six games The Brewers have played so far, they have drawn four, including against Rotherham United and Stevenage.
Giving other injury news ahead of the game at Bloomfield Road, Bruce added: “Lee Evans has a knock as well on his knee, so we’ll see how he is today, but that’s touch and go. He’s another big miss – he’s the leader in the pack and gives you a certain quality that not many have got at this level, he’s a very good player.
“(James Husband) trained yesterday and came through it okay. I expect him to be alright, he trained again this morning.
“I have to say Hayden Coulson played very well the other night, so I’ve got a decision to make, which is a nice one. I preach to the squad, ‘when you get your chance, take it.’”
Writer’s View
Dom Ballard has made a promising start to his time in Blackpool so being missing for the upcoming stretch of games will be a minor blow. His short but fruitful spell at Reading showed he can thrive in League One and whilst with The Tangerines has been a bright spot alongside top scorer Kyle Joseph. Burton are a team that have done well to hold teams to draws so it will be up to Joseph and the likely incoming of Ashley Fletcher to put The Brewers defence to the sword.
Defending is likely to be the biggest concern to Steve Bruce. In his post-match interview following the Huddersfield game he mentioned his delight to keep a clean sheet against The Terriers and he will hope they can carry that into this game. Having James Husband fit enough to feature the game will be key for success as he has been probably the standout player for the club this season.
