Wycombe Wanderers boss Gareth Ainsworth has revealed that the injuries his team has received so far this season are ‘killing’ him, following their sputtering start to the 2022/23 season.

The Chairboys fell to a 3-0 away loss at Stevenage in the EFL Trophy in a game where they were second best throughout the contest.

A Danny Rose double and a Terence Vancooten goal succumbed Wanderers to a second straight loss following their 2-1 defeat away at Derby County on Saturday.

READ MORE: EFL Trophy Report: Stevenage 3-0 Wycombe Wanderers

A positive in the match at the Lamex Stadium was that first-time regulars in Sam Vokes and Sullay Kaikai got important minutes under their belts following lengthy absences from the Wanderers squad in this campaign.

And with many more big names still out, Ainsworth noted that his team will be ‘strong’ once his reinforcements are fit and well.

He said: “Curtis Thompson is out, Brandon Hanlan is out, Sam Vokes was out, Ryan Tafazolli was out, Garath McCleary is suspended, and Josh Scowen is a big loss.

“Injuries are killing me at the moment, but I do think that we will be strong come in the second half of the season.

“But we need to make sure that the first half of the season doesn't get away from us and we need to get some players back quick.

READ MORE: Gareth Ainsworth is 'disappointed' as his Wycombe side lose 3-0 away at Stevenage

“Today [Septmber 20] was to get fitness for Sam and for Sullay, and we need to get him [Kaikai] up to speed as he is a good player.

“He just needs that magic when he is on the ball and I think we will see more of that as the season progresses.

“Seeing Sullay Kaikai start and Sam Vokes get minutes were positive for me."

On the upcoming matches, Ainsworth concluded: “They are a strong side Stevenage and I want to progress in this tournament but the focus is now Sheffield Wednesday.

READ MORE: Live at the Lamex: Stevenage 3-0 Wycombe Wanderers in the Papa John's Trophy

“We have got a few really tough games coming up in Sheffield Wednesday, Plymouth, Oxford, Peterborough (twice), and then MK.

“I think we need to try and get as many points as we can before the rest come back.”