Wycombe boss Gareth Ainsworth has stated that the extent of Ryan Tafazolli’s leg injury will be established in the coming days.
The centre back was taken off after 26 minutes in the Chairboys’ 3-0 away victory at Port Vale.
It has been an injury-hit season for the ex-Hull City man, as he has featured in 16 of Wanderers’ 28 league fixtures this campaign.
FT: Port Vale 0-3 Wycombe Wanderers.
— James Richings (@James_BFP) February 4, 2023
It wasn't pretty, but Wycombe forced out a result against a stubborn Port Vale side as they continue their play-off push.
Hanlan, Jacobson (pen), and a McCleary screamer make it three wins in four for the #Chaoirboys in 2023..
This includes playing in the club’s last 10 matches in the division.
But his latest injury scare will cause another headache for Ainsworth, as he is already without Chris Forino and Alfie Mawson.
This leaves Jack Wakely as Wycombe’s only fit recognised central defender.
12 - GOOOALLLL!!!! BRANDON HANLAN!
— James Richings (@James_BFP) February 4, 2023
⚪️ 0-1🔵#PVFC #Chairboys
However, Joe Jacobson and Jack Grimmer have deputised in the central of Wanderers’ defence this season to great success.
Speaking on the injury, Ainsworth said: “Taff felt something in his leg and we have got to make sure that we don’t give out any incorrect information when it comes to medical incidents, so we will find out what it is this week.
READ MORE: Garath McCleary scores a stunner as Wycombe cruise to victory away at Port Vale
“Alfie is also struggling at the moment so we need to make sure that the centre back position is covered.
"But we will be fine as we have got super Jack Grimmer who can cover anywhere, and it’s important to say this because he has been faultless for me this season.
And it's tucked away by @joe_jacobson! Vale Park starts to empty as the Welshman celebrates his second of the campaign, and his first in the league this season!
— James Richings (@James_BFP) February 4, 2023
⚪️ 0-2🔵 #PVFC #Chairboys
“We deserved the win today [February 4], but we want Taff back as soon as possible as he has been brilliant for us when he has played this season.”
On the defensive changes, Ainsworth added: “When we played Oxford [on January 24], we had a back four which included Jason McCarthy.
“But when it comes to changing formations, I like to be unpredictable.
"I wanted to have a three at the back for Port Vale as I knew that Gavin Massey would be direct on the wings.
READ MORE: 'Darrell has done a brilliant job' - Gareth Ainsworth on Wycombe facing Port Vale
“So when I told Jason on Friday that he was going to be dropped as I wanted to have a three, he said ‘if that’s what you think, gaffer’, and that’s so important to have in your team.
“JJ also came in and was brilliant too.
80 - OH MY WORD, @gmccleary12! What a goal!
— James Richings (@James_BFP) February 4, 2023
Wycombe are running away with it now!
⚪️ 0-3 🔵#PVFC #Chairboys
“We had three fullbacks start in the centre of defence and they have defended incredibly because Massey was causing us problems.”
“The strikers will get the plaudits but I thought we defended really well as we got out to head to everything.”
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