Neil Critchley has offered an update on Matthew Pennington after he was subbed early with a groin injury in Blackpool’s 2-0 win over Burton Albion.
Pennington, 28, joined Blackpool earlier this summer from Shrewsbury Town.
Last season the defender made 37 appearances for Salop scoring four and assisting a further three from defence.
He has experience at this level and above and was a shrewd signing for the Seasiders as they attempt to earn promotion back to the Championship.
Pennington only lasted 55 minutes last weekend though and was taken off with an injury. It remains to be seen how serious it is, but Critchley is optimistic he won’t be out too long. Speaking to The Gazette, he said:
“We’ll assess him today.
“He just felt his groin a little bit at half time but we’re hopeful it’s not too serious.
“He knows his body well. So I’m hoping he brought himself off before it got any worse.
“He wants to play football and he’s got a good history of playing games. We’re hopeful that it won’t keep him out for too long.
“It’s unlikely that he’ll play against Derby but it wouldn’t surprise me if he turned up fit and ready to play.”
Not worth the risk
Blackpool take on fellow League One competition Derby County in the Carabao Cup tomorrow evening. The Seasiders won’t have a cup run on their list of priorities but beating a strong Rams side would give them confidence to take into their third tier campaign this year.
However, even if fit it seems unlikely Pennington will be risked as it also allows Critchley to offer someone else valuable minutes in a bid to build match sharpness. It will be hoped regardless that the 28-year-old hasn’t done any serious damage that could rule him out for a substantial period of time.
Both Pennington and Critchley are experienced in what they do so they can be trusted to make the most sensible decision heading into this midweek fixture.
Blackpool then make the trip down to Exeter City this weekend in a bid to make it two wins from two in the league, a game where Pennington’s presence will be much more vital than the one against Derby County.
