Swindon hit by defensive injuries ahead of season opener

Posted Friday, September 11, 2020 by PA

Swindon boss Richie Wellens has a defensive headache ahead of their opening Sky Bet League One clash with Rochdale.

Captain Dion Conroy has had an injection in an ankle injury and will be out for two weeks, Mathieu Baudry is not fit to return and Tom Broadbent has not yet trained following injury.

New signing Akin Odimayo has a groin problem leaving Wellens with only Zeki Fryers and youngster Taylor Curran as fit centre-backs. Midfielder Anthony Grant may be asked to play in defence.

Swindon should hand veteran striker Brett Pitman his league debut, while goalkeeper Matej Kovar has signed a season-long loan deal from Manchester United and is also in line for a debut.

Rochdale head to the County Ground on the back of successive wins in the Carabao Cup, when they knocked out Championship side Huddersfield, and the EFL Trophy.

On-loan Manchester City defender Yeboah Amankwah should make his league debut after starting in the win at Morecambe.

Midfielder Alex Newby, a summer signing from Chorley, scored his first goal with a last-minute effort and could feature again.

Manager Brian Barry-Murphy is closing in on a deal for Stephen Humphrys from Southend, but it remains to be seen if the forward completes the move in time to feature.