United boss Chris Beech gave us an update on the injury situation with defender George Tanner and midfielder Danny Devine who are both set to face prolonged spells on the sidelines.
“George has had his operation and his collarbone has been fixed back together,” he explained. “I’m so disappointed because the incident that caused it, as we know, was very avoidable.
“He was pushed into that gravel track at the end of the game when there was no need and this is the consequence to that. He’s going to be out for some time now.”
“Danny’s knee has opened up and it’s more than we originally thought,” he continued. ”He might need that extra treatment beyond our physio department, so that’s possibly a little bit of surgery for him as well.
“I think from that point of view it’s not great but it does provide opportunity for others. The other lads have been very patient and productive in how they’ve trained, that’s what the whole point of being in a team and squad is.
“Jack Armer came in last week and set a goal up, this time it didn’t quite come off even though he played a great ball to Gime Toure where his shot went just wide. We all thought that one was going in.
“For both lads and for us, we just have to deal with it. It’s football. When you think you’re winning, and off the pitch as well, the football gods grab hold of your legs and say don’t get too carried away.
“They’re young, Danny’s had an operation in the past, I’m not too sure if George has, so Danny knows about rehab. Thankfully for George it’s his collarbone, that’s had a nice bolt putting it back together, so he can get back at it probably sooner.”
With Rod McDonald looking likely to be fit again for Boxing Day, and with Jon Mellish back from suspension, he said: “It’s a shame Jon wasn’t available, but these are things the referee’s association don’t consider.
“There were a lot of bookings the other night that weren’t really worth bookings, and there were a few like it on Saturday. Jon missed out because of the fact that a lot of bookings were made.”
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