We are cursed I tell thee! Beilik is the obvious choice if nothing else than I don't fancy a left footer as the RCB. Having said that Nabby can do a job and it might make Bowyer more inclined to go 3-5-3 more often at the start of games. Not sure that one of the U21 lads in that position excelled at MK Franchise in the Checkout Trophy either :-(
Start all 3 of our CBs? I’d say this news means we’re more likely to play a back 4 with 2 CBs.
We are cursed I tell thee! Beilik is the obvious choice if nothing else than I don't fancy a left footer as the RCB. Having said that Nabby can do a job and it might make Bowyer more inclined to go 3-5-3 more often at the start of games. Not sure that one of the U21 lads in that position excelled at MK Franchise in the Checkout Trophy either :-(
Start all 3 of our CBs? I’d say this news means we’re more likely to play a back 4 with 2 CBs.
Depends how balanced Bowyer wants the defence to be, two left footed CBs doesn't do it for me so as I said in my post, Beilik (who is still out injured) is the obvious choice in a back four otherwise he might play a three with maybe Djiksteel, if he doesn't want to risk Beilik. What's the point of leaving him on the bench though if that is what you are inferring, he's too good to be left out and why not in the back line instead of midfield, he did ok at Accy.
Often with a LCL (Lateral Collateral Ligament) injury, it is from an impact on the medial side, it often stretches the LCL to either sprain it or tear it. If he has completely ruptured it, I would say that two months is not correct and is far too soon. Hence the carefully worded article on the official site, it specifically says they have to speak with the specialist consultant first (most likely at Guy’s & St Thomas’, they have an excellent consultant there).
What you will normally find with an LCL injury, is that it is not the only structure of the knee that is injured. As the lateral side of the knee stretches, the medial side will often get squashed, causing problems in structures such as the meniscus. With each injury caused through force, there is always an effect on the opposite side, sometimes equal, sometimes not so bad.
On the playing side, it’s a big blow. Bauer and Pearce have an excellent relationship and understanding. As we saw with our last promotion from League One, a solid consistent centre back partnership is often the cornerstone to success.
Cover wise, it’s difficult because you won’t often see two left footed centre backs playing together and other than in a back three, Sarr and Pearce haven’t played together before. Bielik would probably be the most natural choice, and as long as he is fit, I would assume that Bowyer will select him as Bauer’s replacement. It was made clear that he was brought in predominantly at first because we needed cover at right centre back, being able to play in midfield, and do it so well has been a bonus for us. Dijksteel would then be the third choice for that position, having played there before and being the closest to the first team than anyone else.
It’s not ideal, far from it, especially if the injury is a rupture, partial or complete. However, it is not a disaster as such, and hopefully things are not too bad and Bielik can come in to cover well enough until Bauer returns.
In the meantime, all the best Pat, speedy recovery.
Firstly, gutting news. I just can’t believe the amount of injuries we’ve been getting to first team players.
Secondly, for those insisting we have got a small squad, what are you basing it on? Yes it’s small compared to Chelsea, but what is it like compared to most L1 clubs? How many experienced players do you think clubs with attendances between 5-10k carry?
If everyone is fit we would definitely be carrying quite a few unhappy players who wouldn’t be getting near our first team.
The only real noticeable weakness I see is a lack of replacement for Lyle Taylor
It's grim news. But trying to look positively, would we be any happier if it was one of about 7/8 others ? Particularly, when you bear in mind who would replace them ? Steer, Solly, Page, Pearce, Cullen, Bielik, Grant, Taylor, Fosu ?
One of favourite players at the club over recent years. Was gutted in summer when all talk of him going was doing the rounds as I think he could become a long term player that stays and sees the job through. He'll be back when fit and will be most welcome. Great attitude which we need.
Firstly, gutting news. I just can’t believe the amount of injuries we’ve been getting to first team players.
Secondly, for those insisting we have got a small squad, what are you basing it on? Yes it’s small compared to Chelsea, but what is it like compared to most L1 clubs? How many experienced players do you think clubs with attendances between 5-10k carry?
If everyone is fit we would definitely be carrying quite a few unhappy players who wouldn’t be getting near our first team.
The only real noticeable weakness I see is a lack of replacement for Lyle Taylor
For comparison in 11/12 when we won the title we had four senior CBs - Morrison, Taylor, Cort and Doherty plus Mambo next in line. We were very fortunate with injuries, Cort who was 3rd choice barely started a game until getting a run of games at the end of the season.
The difference then was that you could sign short term loans. However even with a new owner and more season ticket holders we’d likely only have 5 senior CBs at the most.
In the Prem they have the 25 man squad rule, so even they have limitations.
Don't think so both he and Beilik were supposed to be out for a couple of weeks and we await this week's injuries update with even more interest. However as we know to our cost rushing them back too soon is self defeating.
If it is a rupture I would be very surprised if it is only 2 months. More likely 4. Bollocks.
Yes, four months if ruptured is about right. But his leg was not ruptured, it was raptured. That suggests he pulled a muscle during orgasm. Been there, done that.
I'd also imagine that Cummings will be able to step up provided he's got Pearce alongside him
His debut against MK Dons might have been a disaster but didnt help the fact he was part of an extremely inexperienced defence
Playing alongside Pearce would be a completely different story for him I'm sure of it, same with Blumberg
Agreed, as a young CB you need someone experienced alongside you. Rufus was brilliant when he came in, but having an experienced player alongside him (Chapple, Balmer) was crucial
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His debut against MK Dons might have been a disaster but didnt help the fact he was part of an extremely inexperienced defence
Playing alongside Pearce would be a completely different story for him I'm sure of it, same with Blumberg
It will be interesting in the circumstances to see who does (or maybe with a view to Saturday who doesn't) play at centre half.
I'm sure others have seen him far more.
Patrick is such an important member of the team & like a certain Stevie Brown, never lets us down.
I wish him a speedy recovery & look forward to seeing him take his place once again in the starting eleven.
What you will normally find with an LCL injury, is that it is not the only structure of the knee that is injured. As the lateral side of the knee stretches, the medial side will often get squashed, causing problems in structures such as the meniscus. With each injury caused through force, there is always an effect on the opposite side, sometimes equal, sometimes not so bad.
On the playing side, it’s a big blow. Bauer and Pearce have an excellent relationship and understanding. As we saw with our last promotion from League One, a solid consistent centre back partnership is often the cornerstone to success.
Cover wise, it’s difficult because you won’t often see two left footed centre backs playing together and other than in a back three, Sarr and Pearce haven’t played together before. Bielik would probably be the most natural choice, and as long as he is fit, I would assume that Bowyer will select him as Bauer’s replacement. It was made clear that he was brought in predominantly at first because we needed cover at right centre back, being able to play in midfield, and do it so well has been a bonus for us. Dijksteel would then be the third choice for that position, having played there before and being the closest to the first team than anyone else.
It’s not ideal, far from it, especially if the injury is a rupture, partial or complete. However, it is not a disaster as such, and hopefully things are not too bad and Bielik can come in to cover well enough until Bauer returns.
In the meantime, all the best Pat, speedy recovery.
Secondly, for those insisting we have got a small squad, what are you basing it on? Yes it’s small compared to Chelsea, but what is it like compared to most L1 clubs? How many experienced players do you think clubs with attendances between 5-10k carry?
If everyone is fit we would definitely be carrying quite a few unhappy players who wouldn’t be getting near our first team.
The only real noticeable weakness I see is a lack of replacement for Lyle Taylor
Particularly, when you bear in mind who would replace them ?
Steer, Solly, Page, Pearce, Cullen, Bielik, Grant, Taylor, Fosu ?
Get well soon big lad!
The difference then was that you could sign short term loans. However even with a new owner and more season ticket holders we’d likely only have 5 senior CBs at the most.
In the Prem they have the 25 man squad rule, so even they have limitations.