Sport · Swindon
Injury crisis deepens for Swindon Town ahead of Rochdale trip
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
Swindon Town manager Ian Holloway faces a significant squad selection headache with 14 players currently sidelined due to injury and suspension.
Swindon Town head to the Crown Oil Arena this weekend facing a severe injury crisis, with as many as 14 players ruled out for the match against Rochdale. After briefly enjoying a settled side during the recent game against Accrington Stanley, the club has suffered a fresh wave of fitness concerns that have left manager Ian Holloway struggling to assemble a full-strength squad.
Paul Glatzel and Ollie Clarke, who both featured in the starting line-up last time out, will miss the trip, while Matty Virtue has also been withdrawn from contention. The side will also be without Mitch Clark, who serves the final match of his suspension, and Sam Inwood, who is currently away on international duty with the Northern Ireland Under-21s. Furthermore, Joe Snowdon has failed to recover in time to be included in the travelling party.
The club has confirmed further long-term concerns as well. Ben Middlemas is set for a two-month absence as he requires surgery to address a knee cartilage issue. Meanwhile, young midfielder Joel McGregor has been referred to a specialist and faces a potential operation after suffering an ankle injury in an accident at home.
Addressing the situation, Holloway expressed his frustration at the unprecedented nature of the crisis. He noted that many of the current issues are linked to players who lacked a full pre-season, making them particularly vulnerable to the current spate of injuries. The manager admitted that his tactical plans will require a significant overhaul to accommodate the diminished squad.
I do not know what to say, Holloway remarked. I have never seen anything quite like it. To win away with half of your team now is not going to be easy.
With limited options available, the squad heading to Greater Manchester is expected to be comprised of just two goalkeepers, four centre-backs, two left-backs, two central midfielders, one winger, and two strikers. To bolster numbers, the club has called upon under-18s player Freddie Hoare to join the travelling group. Louis Millard will return to the fold, albeit in a restricted capacity, having initially been scheduled to feature for the under-18s side this weekend.
Facing the prospect of an improvised team structure, Holloway suggested that a cautious, defensive approach may be necessary. I have not got one shape that fits any of these right now, he said. We need to go there and just try and be dogged and be hard to break down, and then try to counter-attack. I think that is our only chance.
Source: Swindon Advertiser — Sport · View original