Inverness Caledonian Thistle manager John Robertson says he is facing worst injury crisis
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JOHN Robertson admits he is dealing with the worst injury crisis he has witnessed in two spells as Caley Thistle manager.
With seven experienced heads missing from an already tight squad, it is also the heaviest-hit he has seen any team under his charge since Hearts lost 23 players to a sickness bug in 2005.
But while Robertson’s options are severely limited for Saturday’s first home Championship match against Ayr United, he stressed the squad and management were upbeat and relishing the task.
The casualty list reads: Lewis Toshney (hip flexor), Kevin McHattie (hip), David Carson (muscle), Miles Storey (torn hamstring), Nikolay Todorov (rib and lung bruising), Aaron Doran (knee) and Shane Sutherland (hamstring strain).
Losing the latter four has savaged attacking options, but opened the door for youngsters Daniel Mackay, Roddy MacGregor and Rangers loanee Kai Kennedy. The latter, a left winger with a track record for goals, will go straight into the squad despite only just exiting Covid-19 isolation.
The good news for Inverness was that Todorov, clattered painfully at East End Park, has escaped broken ribs and is back in light training. Doran is also back training with the full squad, but not expected to play until next month’s League Cup group games.
“There’s no doubt this is the worst I’ve seen here,” Robbo said.
“We knew there were going to be muscle injuries and we were very careful with the players. Their fitness coming back was excellent, but it hit us once they started playing games. We’ll deal with it – and it gives the younger lads an opportunity.
“Apart from a really bad flu and sickness virus we had at Hearts at one stage, it’s the worst I’ve seen – and certainly the worst in terms of muscle injuries.”
Robertson saw his squad return in terrific shape from lockdown, but knew other leagues had experienced a heavy toll of muscle injuries as matches resumed.
“It’s unfortunate, but we’re not down about it,” the manager added.
“Training this week has been razor sharp. The intensity and sharpness is exactly where we need it to be for Ayr United.”
