Team News:
Latest on Sanderson and Maguire

Lee Johnson has given an update on the fitness of his squad, as we turn to Saturday's Sky Bet League One trip to Blackpool.

The Head Coach firstly gave the latest on Dion Sanderson, confirming the defender will be a short-term absentee with a back injury.

"It's difficult news with Dion, he'll be missing in the short-term," Johnson admitted.

"There's no stress fracture but there's potential onset for it if he keeps playing. He has played through the pain barrier in recent games, and it has just got too much to manage through therapy.

"We have to maintain an open communication line with Wolves, and Dion's opinion matters too. He's up for the fight, and could return before the end of the season."

Johnson also explained the current situation regarding Jake Vokins, who has been absent since we faced Accrington Stanley a month ago due to Covid-19 and a heart murmur.

"It's been really frustrating for Jake. Because of the virus and his heart, he's not been able to get his heart rate above 60% - we're talking light walk at most, so it's like he's had an enforced off-season.

"He had a really good game against Accrington and put his flag in the sand, so to speak. And then he's had Covid and then the heart murmur, which has now been cleared by the specialists.

"It's a very slow return to build up that heart rate, which again becomes frustrating for him, and effectively he has to go through a pre-season again. But he's a fit lad, and his physique means he can adjust quicker to those sorts of dynamic movements. He's in a positive headspace now."

Then came was a further update on Tom Flanagan, who has been facing a period of uncertainty regarding a foot issue.

"There isn't quite the same positivity with the news on Flanno at the moment," said the gaffer.

"He's had this problem with his foot which we discussed before. Since we had the more recent opinions from the physio, they've decided they're going to treat it as a bone issue. They still haven't decided on the course of remedy: injection, time or surgery.

"I think it'll probably be one to go down the injection route, to deal with the problem that's leading the mechanics of his left side to be completely different. That's what led to him pulling his left hamstring and having problems with the hip flexor too."

Finally, the Head Coach commented on Chris Maguire's potential inclusion for the visit to Bloomfield Road, confirming he is part of the travelling party of 19.

"I think Chris can still play a big part this season. When you get some of your squad back fit, one or two can end up being spare players, which is hugely frustrating for anyone - especially experienced players.

"We've been open and honest with him from the very start and with professional pride, that's not always easy to hear. But that honesty is always important.

"He's in the travelling squad tomorrow - we have 19 with us - and he can bring personality as well as performance."