Wycombe Wanderers head coach Mike Dodds has revealed injury concerns over Richard Kone and Josh Scowen ahead of Saturday’s vital League One meeting with Leyton Orient.
Both players picked up knocks during the Chairboys’ heavy 4-0 defeat to Charlton Athletic on Easter Monday, casting doubt over their availability for the trip to Brisbane Road. With Wycombe sitting third in the table and chasing automatic promotion, any absence could prove costly at this crucial stage of the season.
Dodds, speaking ahead of the match, praised the club’s sports science team for their efforts in managing the squad’s fitness amid a congested Easter schedule. However, he admitted the situation regarding Kone and Scowen remains touch and go.
“We’re at that stage of the season where you’re conscious about how you manage [injuries] and the sport scientists here are doing a brilliant job preparing players,” said Dodds.
“Josh had a tight hamstring, which was always going to be a risk over the two games [across Easter]. It was something we tried to manage to the best of our ability. I think he’ll be OK for the weekend, but we’ll assess him over the next 48 hours, and hopefully he’ll be back on the training pitch.
“Richard is in a similar boat as he takes plenty of whacks. He seems to get a bit of a raw deal, but when you’re a good player, you are always going to get a bit of extra attention.
“Hopefully, he’ll be back on the grass, and fingers crossed, they’ll be back for the weekend.”
Wycombe know that a victory in East London, combined with a potential slip from Wrexham at Charlton later in the day, could lift them into the top two with just a few games remaining. The stakes are high, and Dodds acknowledged that Orient, who have won their last four matches, will pose a significant challenge.
League One
The head coach described Orient as a “fighting and scraping” side, crediting them for their impressive football and play-off push this season. With both teams desperate for points for different reasons, Saturday’s encounter promises to be a fiercely contested affair.
Wycombe’s hopes of sealing an automatic promotion spot could hinge not just on results but on the availability of key players like Kone and Scowen during this decisive run-in.
Writer’s View
At this stage of the season, every decision on player fitness carries huge significance. While Wycombe have strength in depth, losing the dynamism of Kone or the midfield control of Scowen would be a big blow. Dodds will be desperate to have both available against an in-form Leyton Orient in what could prove a pivotal moment in their promotion race.
