Swindon Town's injury crisis has worsened ahead of their key League Two trip to Rochdale this weekend. Manager Ian Holloway has confirmed that nearly half his first-team squad could be unavailable for the match at Spotland on Saturday, a situation that is severely impacting the team's standings position of 12th with 11 points.
Holloway described the "situation is a crisis" as he revealed midfielder Ben Middlemas faces a lengthy lay-off with a knee cartilage issue. The problem, which requires specialist treatment, could keep the player out for between two and five months. The news compounds a difficult period for the Robins, who have won just once in their last five league outings. The team's recent stats show they have conceded an average of 2.5 goal minutes per game, a vulnerability they must address with a depleted squad.
Manager's squad challenges
With a mounting injury list detailed on the club's injuries page, Holloway is preparing to rely heavily on youth-team players against a Rochdale side unbeaten in three league matches. He admitted he might have to field three or four younger players out of necessity rather than choice. "I guarantee that some players being put together have not played together before in that shape," the Swindon Town manager said. He plans to bring senior players in to speak to the youth team before the fixture to help prepare them for the intensity required.
Holloway expressed frustration at his team's inability to maintain consistency, citing injuries that have occurred on Fridays and even Saturday mornings before games. He acknowledged the challenge of integrating academy talent who are not yet used to the league's demands. Despite the setbacks, he emphasised his belief in every player and said his team would be trying hard for the travelling supporters making the trip to Rochdale.
Context of poor form
Swindon's recent results have been poor, with four defeats in their last five matches across all competitions. Their last outing was a 1-1 home draw with Accrington Stanley, where Joseph Hungbo scored the equaliser. The club's top scorer this season is A. Drinan, who has netted 22 times in 40 appearances, a record the team will need to lean on. Looking ahead in the fixtures, the team faces a tough schedule after the Rochdale game.
The last meeting between these sides at Spotland saw Swindon fail to win, a run stretching back to 2015. Holloway will hope to end that streak despite the selection headaches, with his immediate focus on rallying a depleted squad. He confirmed that senior players Ollie Clarke and Dan Butler, who provided an assist last weekend, will be key figures in a reshaped side.
