Sport · Swindon
Swindon Town facing midfield shortage as Ben Middlemas sidelined for up to 20 weeks
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
Swindon Town midfielder Ben Middlemas faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines as the club struggles with a mounting injury list.
Swindon Town manager Ian Holloway has confirmed that midfielder Ben Middlemas is set for a prolonged period out of action following a knee injury. The 21-year-old, who had been a regular presence in the side during the opening weeks of the League Two campaign, faces a minimum of eight weeks on the sidelines, with the recovery period potentially extending to 20 weeks.
Middlemas sustained the injury during the club's recent outing in the Jersey Mike’s Trophy. Following a consultation with a specialist earlier this week, it was determined that the player requires surgery to address a cartilage issue. Holloway noted that the exact nature of the procedure and the precise recovery timeframe will remain uncertain until the joint is operated on.
The loss of Middlemas leaves the Town squad looking increasingly thin in central midfield. With Jack Thomson and Anthony Munda currently serving as the only natural options in that position, the manager faces a difficult selection process as he looks to navigate the coming fixtures. While versatile players such as James Ball and James Debayo offer some cover, and Danny Butterworth provides an attacking alternative, the depth of the squad is being severely tested by a series of absences.
The club is currently managing a significant number of long-term and recurring fitness concerns. The injury list includes Gavin Kilkenny, who is expected to remain out until January following a broken ankle, and Fletcher Holman, who is also targeting a return at the start of the year after suffering a hamstring tear. Ollie Palmer faces approximately two months out with an ankle injury, while Harry Smith continues his rehabilitation from an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Further complications have arisen with other squad members. Joel McGregor, who was nearing a return from an ankle injury, has suffered a setback after a fall at home and is awaiting specialist assessment on whether further surgery is required. Additionally, Ryan Tafazolli has been ruled out for over a month after scans confirmed a broken toe.
These high-profile absences are compounded by a series of niggling fitness issues that have affected several players throughout the season so far, including Joe Snowdon, Paul Glatzel, Ollie Clarke, Matty Virtue, Tom Nichols, Sam Inwood, and Joseph Hungbo. For the travelling supporters and those following the club, the current injury crisis represents a significant hurdle for the team as they look to build momentum in the league.
Source: Swindon Advertiser — Sport · View original