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Blackpool FC boss issues update on former Exeter City man after heartbreaking debut Blackpool progressed to the second round of the EFL Cup with a 3-1 victory over Grimsby Town in their first outing of the 2026/27 season. Ilmari Niskanen endured a disappointing competitive debut for Blackpool - with injury bringing his afternoon to an early conclusion. The former Exeter City man was forced off due to a shoulder problem in the 32nd minute of Saturday’s EFL Cup tie away to Grimsby Town, having played every game of last season with the Grecians. Even with another addition to their current injury list, the Seasiders were able to successfully progress with a 3-1 victory at Blundell Park. Niall Ennis’ early opener gave the visitors the advantage in the tie, with Josh Bowler and Kylian Kouassi ensuring the win with second half goals either side of one from Harvey Rodgers. Providing an update on Niskanen, Blackpool boss Ian Evatt said: “It’s tough. We’re having to deal with a lot of adversity again, but that’s football. “His shoulder popped out. They’ve put it back in, which is the most important thing, but it’s the extent of the damage now to see how long he’s out for. “There’s not a lot of avoidance we can do for that, we just have to have the mindset of supporting him because everyone forgets about the injured player - no one wants to be injured. They have to feel supported by us and the rest of the football club. “He’s such a good guy - an amazing character. His energy is infectious. He’s upset, and has every right to be upset. “Players never mean to get injured, and people forget about them and how much they’re suffering. As a unit, we’ll get around him and get him back as soon as possible.” Kouassi was the man to replace Niskanen for the remainder of the game, with the 23-year-old marking his first competitive appearance for the Seasiders since 2024 with a goal. “Truthfully, he was probably the only real option at the time to go with a forward player,” Evatt added. “The midfield players we had, we had to be cautious with because they’d only just returned. Anything prior to half time would’ve been an issue for them. “Also, he’s done well. I’ve been impressed with him in pre-season. In the minutes he’s played, he’s been physical and tough, and at times last season we missed that. “I’m really pleased for him because he deserves that. He’s put a lot of hard work in.” Goalscorer Ennis exited towards the end of the game, but there’s no concern from Evatt over his availability for next weekend’s League One opener against Wycombe Wanderers. “He’s had a bit of an issue, it’s mostly coming from his back,” he explained. “We’ve been aware of it and don’t think it’s anything more serious than that.”