Just when you think the injury problems are easing for Tranmere, two more players are added to the list!
It’s part three of the Tranmere vs Wycombe trilogy and Micky Mellon’s selection options have been hit once more with knocks to Liam Ridehalgh and David Perkins.
Both were withdrawn midway through the league encounter between the two sides on Sunday, and it’s a blow to the Rovers manager who must be cursing his side’s luck with injuries this term.
A hard-fought 2-2 draw at Prenton Park set up this cup replay, with the winner to have a home TV tie against the lowest-ranked side in the competition, Chichester City, in Round Two.
Let’s take a closer look at who’s missing or doubtful to make Wednesday night’s game for Tranmere…
CALUM WOODS
The experienced full-back, who has looked decent in the little we’ve seen of him in a Tranmere shirt, has returned to full training after picking up an injury against Oxford United in early September. He will be close to a return to the reckoning, and with Liam Ridehalgh suffering a knock last weekend, he may be required within the matchday squad. Although his inclusion for the reserves against Fleetwood Town on Tuesday suggests maybe not.
MARK ELLIS
Mark Ellis sustained a knee injury towards the back end of last season and remains absent. It’s likely to be some time yet until we next see the experienced defender in a Rovers shirt on the pitch. A return date of February is the target for the former Shrewsbury Town man.
EVAN GUMBS
Another who picked up a serious knee injury at the end of last term, the young defender is not going to be available for selection until the new year. Again, February is the target when Gumbs might be back to full fitness and ready to challenge for a place in the squad.
LIAM RIDEHALGH
The full-back has been operating as the left side of a back three in the past couple of weeks, but took a knock during the first half of Sunday’s league game against Wycombe, being withdrawn at half time. The prognosis has not been revealed, but it seems unlikely that he’ll be available for the cup replay.
OLLIE BANKS
The former Oldham Athletic midfielder was in good form until a knee injury was sustained innocuously in training. Banks went under the knife recently and he is ruled out until the New Year.
NEIL DANNS
The experienced midfielder was due to be away with Guyana in sunnier climes, but it seems he missed out due to injury. The full extent is unknown, but having missed out on Sunday, it would appear he’s doubtful to take part on Wednesday evening.
HARVEY GILMOUR
Gilmour took his opportunity in the side after injuries to others, before picking up a knee injury one of his own. He’s out of a knee brace but is still looking at missing the next few weeks of fixtures.
DAVID PERKINS
The midfield continues to be decimated by injuries, and David Perkins is the latest to suffer as he appears to have picked up another hamstring injury. He was substituted off at half time on Sunday and will almost certainly be missing for a number of weeks.
ISHMAEL MILLER
The big striker was enjoying a decent pre-season before pulling up with a hamstring injury in Rovers’ final pre-season friendly against Walsall. There has been very little said about his situation, so it’s unknown whether he will return to action before his six-month contract expires in January.
JORDAN PONTICELLI
The Coventry City loanee has been absent for a couple of weeks through injury, although the extent of the problem hasn’t really been spoken about. But with Morgan Ferrier returning to full fitness, Stefan Payne in good form and Rushian Hepburn-Murphy having recently netted a hat-trick, even if fully fit, it seems unlikely he would feature.
