Blackpool have been dealt another setback in a frustrating League One campaign, with midfielder Ryan Finnigan ruled out for three to four weeks due to an ankle injury.
The 22-year-old, who was recalled from his loan spell at Walsall in January, had been working his way back into the fold under head coach Ian Evatt. However, his latest appearance off the bench against Huddersfield Town proved costly.
Providing an update, Evatt confirmed the midfielder will now face a spell on the sidelines.
“We lost Ryan Finnigan on Saturday, he’s picked up an ankle injury, so he’ll be three or four weeks now.
“That’s football, and football throws curveballs at you. We’ve faced a huge curveball this season, from everyone’s expectations in the summer.
“It’s unfortunate, but there’s no point in him feeling sorry for himself; he’s got to pick himself up and make sure he does all of his recovery the correct way.”
Finnigan’s return to Bloomfield Road at the start of January had been seen as a timely boost. During his time in League Two, he made 21 league appearances and scored three times, earning the division’s Player of the Month award for November as Walsall pushed for promotion. His energy and attacking output offered a different dimension in midfield, something Blackpool have lacked at points this season.
Since rejoining, opportunities have largely come from the bench, but there was a sense that his involvement would increase as the campaign entered its decisive phase. Instead, the Seasiders must once again reshuffle.
The injury also continues a difficult run for the former Southampton academy product, whose early career has been punctuated by setbacks. After joining Blackpool permanently in January 2024, he gradually established himself before last summer’s loan move provided the regular minutes needed to build momentum.
Evatt, though, was keen to stress both perspective and mentality in his assessment.
“He can’t feel too sorry for himself, and he’s got to make sure he’s mentally in the right place. We’ll help him with that and support him to get back fit and healthy as soon as he possibly can.
“There’s still a lot of football to be played. Fingers crossed he can get back and show us when he gets back from injury.”
Squad test coming up
With Blackpool currently sitting 17th in League One and looking to stabilise their form, squad depth in midfield will now be tested. Evatt insisted options remain strong when everyone is available, but availability has been a recurring theme this season.
For Finnigan, the focus shifts to recovery and resilience. For Blackpool, it is another disruption in a campaign that has yet to find a consistent rhythm, and one that will almost certainly be written off as a failure.