Out for a period of time – Port Vale manager confirms striker injury news
The Valiants have been dealt an injury blow with the news that deadline day signing Ryan Loft will be out for a “period of time.”
Loft joined the Vale from Bristol Rovers to strengthen the team’s forward options. However, with Loft and fellow forward Josh Thomas both out, James Wilson was the only recognised striker for the game against Cambridge United.
Speaking after the match, Crosby confirmed that Thomas will return to action within days but the prognosis is less certain for Loft.
Crosby commented on Wilson playing saying: “He’s the number nine we’ve got available currently. For James to keep going, his first ninety minutes on Tuesday night for a fair period of time so we’ve got to look after him as well. Some of his play in the first-half was really good.”
However, he also clarified that “Josh (Thomas) is still ill hopefully he’ll be back available start of the week fingers crossed.
“Unfortunately Ryan (Loft’s) calf is slightly worst than we hoped. He’s going to be out for a period of time.”
Loft’s absence is a major blow for the Valiants who arguably lack a cutting edge despite a great start to the season. It remains to be seen if the club will look to the free agent market to add another body to their forward unit.