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Blackpool injury update issued as seven miss final pre-season test Several players missed Blackpool’s final pre-season friendly against Port Vale. Blackpool are hopeful of welcoming bodies back for the EFL Cup first round tie away to Grimsby Town next weekend. Several players have been absent throughout the Seasiders’ pre-season schedule - including Saturday afternoon’s friendly against Port Vale at Bloomfield Road. Club captain George Honeyman dropped out from Wednesday night’s 1-1 draw with Blackburn Rovers alongside teenager Oluchi Nwankwo - who was forced off with a knee problem during the second half of the behind-closed-doors contest. Meanwhile, Fraser Horsfall, Michael Ihiekwe, Albie Morgan, Leighton Clarkson and Tom Bloxham all remained absent. Injuries hit Blackpool hard last term, and they will be hoping for better fortune this time around. Providing an update, assistant coach Stephen Crainey said: “Fraser (Horsfall) and Michael (Ihiekwe) are both on the grass. In terms of Grimsby, whether that comes too soon - I don’t know. It depends how they come through next week, time will tell on that. “Dion’s (Charles) boot is more of a precaution, hopefully he’ll be back training this week as well, along with Albie (Morgan), Leighton (Clarkson) and Blocko (Tom Bloxham). “Fingers crossed the squad will look a bit healthier this week, but when they’ve been injured you take it day by day. Whether they’re going to be available, I don’t know. We’ll assess it at the end of the week. Subscribe now for HALF PRICE and catch every minute of our Seasiders coverage this season - from pre-season to the final whistle. click here “George (Honeyman) had a little knock on his knee but it’s nothing serious, hopefully he’ll be back training this week and will be available for Grimsby. “Oluchi (Nwankwo) has had his scan and we’re just waiting for the results there. Hopefully it’s nothing too serious.”