Blackpool duo face fitness tests ahead of Oxford clash

Posted Thursday, August 15, 2019 by PA

Blackpool boss Simon Grayson will hand fitness tests to Joe Nuttall and Jay Spearing before the Sky Bet League One visit of Oxford.

Striker Nuttall was left out of the squad for Tuesday’s Carabao Cup penalty shoot-out defeat by Macclesfield after picking up a knock in training.

Former Liverpool midfielder Spearing injured his shoulder by clattering into a Macc player during the first-round match. Grayson will make decisions on both players after further assessments are made.

Defender Curtis Tilt may return to the starting line-up after Grayson rested him for the cup tie while Nathan Delfouneso is likely to be restored up front having been given “a breather” in midweek.

Oxford’s 1-0 cup win over Peterborough came at a cost as forward Malachi Napa suffered a broken leg.

The 20-year-old underwent surgery on Wednesday morning and is due to see a specialist to confirm the full extent of the damage caused by a heavy tackle midway through the first half.

Boss Karl Robinson said: “He knows that we have a fantastic medical and physio team who will do all they can to help him. As a club we will be there for him and will give him all the support he needs.”

Striker Dan Agyei has recently joined United from Burnley on a three-year deal but may have to build up match fitness before making his debut.