Despite missing seven first-team players in the 2-0 victory over Bristol Rovers, Wycombe Wanderers boss Matt Bloomfield has praised the individuals who helped him achieve his first away victory as manager.
Ryan Tafazolli, Jordan Obita, Sam Vokes, Nick Freeman, Dominic Gape, David Wheeler, and Curtis Thompson were all absent from the match at the Memorial Stadium on March 14, and the 39-year-old admitted that the names mentioned shouldn’t be rushed back to the frame.
Collectively, the Wycombe bench have played less than 50 times for the club.
— James Richings (@James_BFP) March 14, 2023
Yes, there are notable absentees, but this is another huge chance for the development players to make a name for themselves this evening.#Chairboys https://t.co/sr4vTFxwMM
Following their omissions, the development names have made sporadic appearances in several matchday squads.
READ MORE: Barnsley boss Michael Duff praises Wycombe and Matt Bloomfield
This includes striker Tjay De Barr, who has played in four of five Bloomfield’s matches in charge.
It's time to raise De Barr 🇬🇮#Chairboys pic.twitter.com/UcepHruhKj
— James Richings (@James_BFP) March 14, 2023
Speaking on the players that are missing, the manager said: “We have got a lot of injuries and illnesses at the moment so it’s not ideal.
“Taf is not too far away but Curtis is a bit further away.
89: Willis is down requiring lengthy treatment on a head injury, and requires a bandage, but should be okay to carry on.
— Wycombe Wanderers (@wwfcofficial) March 14, 2023
0-2 | #BRRvWYC
“They’re working as hard as they possibly can, but their bodies need to take the course they need to heal.
“We hope to have them back soon but we’re mindful of the fact that we don’t want to rush them as we don’t want them to break down.
“The medical team provides everything we need to know and we will welcome them back as soon as they can.”
READ MORE: What the guys in Barnsley think ahead of their visit to Wycombe this weekend
On his squad depth, Bloomfield added: “The boys have been playing well in recent weeks so we’re asking the same group to go again after a couple of Saturday/Tuesday fixtures.
“But with those who started, I thought Tjay did brilliantly against Bristol Rovers on Tuesday night.
“He was such a bright spark and it was good for him to finally start in the league.
“Brandon led the line really well both towards and away from the ball so we’re optimistic about our future.”
Wycombe fans: providing injuries don’t scupper things, statistically every reason to be confident about making top 6. All but 4 of 12 remaining games against bottom half teams & need to play entire bottom 4. Achieved 24 points in reverse fixtures against those 12 #chairboys
— Ian Baker (@ianbakersport) March 8, 2023
Finally, on the win in the West Country which was the club’s second over the Gas this season, he concluded: “Everyone is really pleased with the performance as it was a great result for us.
READ MORE: 'It’s horrendous football' - Bristol Rovers boss Joey Barton criticises Wycombe
“The boys were very good on Tuesday but there are a couple of bits that we would like to improve on.
“But everyone is in good spirits.”
Wycombe’s home match against Barnsley on March 18 will kick-off at 3pm.
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