Morecambe manager's limited options ahead of Forest Green Rovers match

Morecambe boss Derek Adams revealed the club has added absentees on and off the pitch ahead of their game against Forest Green Rovers tomorrow.
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The Shrimps were already without the injured Liam Gibson, Ryan Cooney, Alex Kenyon and Carlos Mendes-Gomes, as well as Harry Davis who is self-isolating after coming into contact with someone who had tested positive for Covid-19.

However, Adams admitted two more members of staff will be absent at the Mazuma Stadium for the same reason as Davis.

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He said: “Cole Stockton is self-isolating, as is our physio, because they have come into contact with people outwith the team.

Cole Stockton has added to Morecambe's list of unavailabilitiesCole Stockton has added to Morecambe's list of unavailabilities
Cole Stockton has added to Morecambe's list of unavailabilities

“That means we’ve got six players and our physio who aren’t going to be with us, so we just have to move on and deal with what we’ve got.”

Having missed the Tuesday night draw with Mansfield Town, Davis has tested negative for Covid-19.

Nevertheless, under the protocols in place, he will not be able to return to training until November 1.

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After having a fully-fit squad at his disposal seven days ago, Adams now has more than a quarter of his players unavailable for the match with Forest Green.

However, it gives a chance to some of the players who have been on the fringes in recent weeks, as well as those including Toumani Diagouraga and Yann Songo’o who need to get up to speed.

Adams said: “At this moment in time, we will be down to five players on the bench.

“We will have players who have already played and some who haven’t.

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“It gives them a chance to get some game time under their belts.”

All in all, it isn’t the ideal build-up to a game against a Forest Green side which has had a good start to the season.

They had been undefeated in their opening six league matches before Tuesday’s loss to Colchester United, a defeat that leaves them eighth in the table.

They are two places and a point behind the Shrimps with Adams expecting an entertaining afternoon in store.

“It will be a good match between two good teams looking to entertain and play good football,” he said.

“Forest Green, like ourselves, are up there and will be looking to try and continue that.”