Blackpool manager Steve Bruce has confirmed that George Honeyman and Scott Banks will both miss several weeks after picking up injuries during the win over Barnsley.
The Seasiders claimed a late 1-0 victory at Bloomfield Road last weekend, but the celebrations were dampened as two summer recruits were forced off in the second half. Both will now sit out a crucial run of fixtures for Bruce, starting with Saturday’s trip to Bradford City and a midweek test against Luton Town.
League One
Six weeks out for Honeyman, four for Banks
Midfielder Honeyman is sidelined with a calf issue, while winger Banks faces around a month out with an ankle problem. The pair had quickly established themselves as key figures since arriving on the Fylde Coast, making their absence a significant setback for Bruce’s side.
“It’s not great. Banksy will be around a month and we think George Honeyman will be closer to six weeks. That’s the disappointing news from the weekend, it was great that we got a victory, but the two of them will miss a good few weeks,” Bruce explained.
The veteran manager stressed that injuries are part of the game but pointed to the importance of squad depth. He highlighted the impact made by substitutes against Barnsley, insisting that others must now step up.
“Just when you’ve got everyone fit and you’re raring to go, then you lose two. It’s why you need a squad of players, and I do believe that’s stronger than last year. As a group we’re stronger in terms of depth, and that was evident when we made the changes last week.”
Bloxham handed route back into squad
One player likely to benefit is forward Tom Bloxham, who had been left out of the last two league squads despite featuring in the cup. With injuries opening space, Bruce confirmed the 21-year-old will return to contention alongside Andy Lyons and Zac Ashworth, who have also been on the fringes recently.
“Of course he comes straight back into the squad with the injuries, that’s what the squad is all about. It’s nothing personal against Blocko, he’s just unfortunately been left out of the last two squads. He’ll come into it.”
Writer’s View
Blackpool’s injury blows arrive at a frustrating time, just as momentum looked to be turning after the Barnsley victory. Honeyman and Banks were beginning to influence games, but their absence underlines the need for depth in a promotion chase.
The enforced reshuffle gives fringe players, including Bloxham, an opportunity to seize their moment. If they rise to the challenge, the setback may prove less damaging than feared and could even strengthen squad unity as the campaign progresses.
