Swindon Town are facing a defensive injury crisis with key centre-back Ryan Tafazolli ruled out for up to two months. Manager Ian Holloway confirmed the 34-year-old suffered a bone bruise on his toe joint in the 3-1 win over Port Vale at the start of the month.
"A bone bruise on his toe joint could see him miss several weeks, or even as much as two months," Holloway said. The injury compounds a shortage of options at the back, with Sam Inwood away on international duty and Mitch Clark and Joel McGregor also unavailable. That leaves Holloway with just six senior players for the four defensive positions in his side.
Stephan Negru, who has played every league minute so far this season, is the only fit, recognised senior centre-back. The 23-year-old was carrying a knock last week but was fit to start in the 1-0 defeat at Salford City. That result left Swindon 13th in the League Two table with 10 points from seven games.
Holloway's makeshift solutions
In Tafazolli's absence, Holloway has turned to midfielder Ollie Clarke for leadership in the back line, a role he trialled in pre-season. Youngster Billy Kirkman has also been used centrally, while Kaelan Majekodunmi has filled in at right-back. The manager is reluctant to recall loanee Filozofe Mabete from Forest Green Rovers, preferring the defender to continue getting regular football at The New Lawn.
Stephan Negru believes the squad's spirit will help them through this difficult period. "'Big heart' in Swindon squad will see them get over away struggles," the defender said. The team has lost its last three matches in all competitions, conceding 11 goals in the league already. Check the latest team news on our injuries page.
Swindon's next chance to turn things around comes at home to Accrington Stanley on Saturday. Accrington currently sit 21st in the table, offering a potential opportunity for Holloway's patched-up defence to find some stability. The full fixtures list shows a busy period ahead.
The original report is at Stroud News and Journal
