How the international break could be beneficial for Wycombe

The vast majority of fans will now have accepted that Wycombe will be playing League One football in August, so the run-in is about the players continuing to learn about the Championship while trying to get as many points as possible.

Having played two games in every week since the squad’s Covid-19 outbreak in mid-January, and competed well in all but a couple of those, the Chairboys have deserved a well-earned break.

Time on the training ground has been few and far between in this busy season, so the chance to really get to work during the break will be valuable for the players.

READ MORE: Preston still want Ainsworth as boss according to Bet Victor

However, with so many games in the legs, recovery time is also very important, both for the players who have been playing consistently and also for those out injured at the moment.

Gareth Ainsworth appealing for a decision during the 0-0 draw against Coventry at St Andrew's on March 20 (Prime Media)

Adebayo Akinfenwa is winding down his career and has struggled to be fully fit for a couple of years now, while Jordan Obita and Alex Pattison were both on the sidelines in recent matches.

Pattison hasn’t played a minute since he was sent off against Bournemouth in December, with injuries playing a significant part in that.

Although he hasn’t had too much luck in his time at Adams Park, Pattison is one a few players out of contract in the summer that will be desperate to prove themselves between now and then.

Along with Akinfenwa, fellow general Darius Charles looks to be near the end of his Wycombe playing career, while Giles Phillips is also running out of time.

Slightly surprisingly, Stockdale and Mehmeti’s deals also run out at the end of the season, so maybe the break can be used to negotiate an extension on those.

The time without any fixtures will also give the squad a chance to reflect on what they have achieved recently. Although the points tally may not be where they’d have liked, there are plenty of positives to mull over.

READ MORE: Remember them? Five ex Wycombe players who have gone onto play Premier League football

The much-discussed emergence of Anis Mehmeti has been complemented by Josh Knight’s excellent loan spell, where he has played more league minutes than any other Wycombe player, clocking in at almost 3,000.

Ryan Tafazolli has been very impressive since recovering from injury. He has since scored twice for Wycombe (Prime Media)

Recently, David Stockdale has really impressed after replacing Ryan Allsop between the sticks and has shown why he’s had such a successful career.

Uche Ikpeazu also looks everything Wanderers need in a number nine with his exceptional hold-up play and quick feet, and the Ugandan is one of a handful of players who could be very dangerous in the third tier next season.

Wycombe's remaining fixtures:

- Wanderers vs Blackburn: Apr 2

- Rotherham vs Wanderers: Apr 5

- Wanderers vs Luton: Apr 10

- Swansea vs Wanderers: Apr 17

- Wanderers vs Bristol City: Apr 21

Wycombe drew 0-0 with Coventry on March 20 (Prime Media)

- Cardiff vs Wanderers: Apr 24

- Wycombe vs Bournemouth: May 1

- M’brough vs Wanderers: May 8

Please note that some of these fixtures could be moved.