Wycombe Wanderers manager Matt Bloomfield has revealed he is ‘devastated’ to lose striker Brandon Hanlan for the remainder of the season.
The 26-year-old was injured in the recent 1-0 home loss to Stevenage where he ruptured his ACL following an incident with Boro captain, Carl Piergianni.
The recovery time is expected to last roughly nine months.
Speaking to the press ahead of this weekend’s EFL Trophy clash against AFC Wimbledon at Adams Park, Bloomfield said: “I’m gutted for Brandon as he worked so hard in pre-season to get himself in really good shape.
Hanlan's lengthy absence means, as it stands, Wycombe only have three fit strikers:
— James Richings (@James_BFP) November 16, 2023
🇬🇧 Dale Taylor
🇮🇪 Kieran Sadlier
🇬🇮 Tjay De Barr
Two of which are away on international duty 👇#Chairboys https://t.co/x9HL0toawV
READ MORE: 'They were looking for a pulse' - Bloomfield reflects on Luke Leahy's head injury
“I always believe that the people who do things the right way will come back to them, but unfortunately, all of his hard work will be lost this season due to injury.
"It’s so disappointing as I love him to bits.
“He’s worked so hard for us and I’m sad that his season has come to just a short end.
"I'm devastated'
The first fixture that Hanlan will miss will be the clash against the Dons this weekend in the final group match of the EFL Trophy.
Are you happy with the signing of Lyle Taylor?
— James Richings (@James_BFP) November 16, 2023
He'll go straight into the team for Saturday's EFL Trophy match against his former club, AFC Wimbledon.#Chairboys
Both sides have progressed into the second round of the competition, with the initial clash being scheduled for November 21.
However, it was brought forward to this weekend in order to help Wanderers and Wimbledon prepare for next weekend’s league fixtures against Reading and Notts County respectively, by having a free week.
READ MORE: 'This could work for us' - Wycombe sign ex-Nottingham Forest striker on free transfer
Bloomfield explained: “It was easy to arrange.
“I had a phone call with Johnny who I know quite well to say that as both of our fixtures are off, it makes sense to put the cup game to Saturday rather than on a Tuesday night.
Lyle Taylor's record against Wycombe:
— James Richings (@James_BFP) November 16, 2023
🤝 Seven games
✅ Six wins
⚽️ Five goals
🇲🇸 Now the Montserrat international will be hoping to replicate that record in the light and dark blue quarters.#Chairboys https://t.co/5HJPSXE70g
“We hope it provides our supporters with a lunchtime game to attend so kids can go, as I know Tuesday nights can be difficult with school and the late nights.
READ MORE: 'I will be back stronger' - Wycombe's Brandon Hanlan devastating injury update
“It also gives both teams longer to recover for the league games next week, as we have Reading next week.”
The next round of the competition will take place the week commencing December 4.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here