Motherwell are set to be without Paul McGinn for a “significant” period of time in a blow to their bid to keep up their early season form.
The Steelmen skipper was hurt while striking a ball in training during the international break, tearing a muscle in his thigh. It would have been hoped it wasn’t too serious ahead of some tough games – Dundee at home followed by Celtic away, Dundee United away and Rangers at home.
Manager Stuart Kettlewell hasn’t had his injury troubles to seek this campaign so far, but has managed to steer his side to some good results, and fourth in the league, regardless.
But the captain being out for some crunch games could be a bit more of a problem.
Kettlewell explains McGinn Motherwell injury
Unfortunately for Well, the boss admits he will be missing McGinn for some time due to the muscle tear. So while he looks to welcome back some returning crocks, he is hit with another frustration.
He explained: “We have a disappointment, we lost Paul McGinn for a significant period of time. A muscle injury, completely innocuous and very simply he is going to miss a good chunk.
“It is a thigh injury to be a bit more specific, when striking the ball, and it looks like he has a muscle tear and will be out for a period of time.
“We will be a bit more specific on that but the fact of the matter is we are going to be without our captain and the other long-term injuries are moving along well.
Kettlewell could be forgiven for feeling down in the dumps about the constant injury problems, and perhaps making excuses as a result.
But he insists there is nothing for it but to keep plugging away.
“I can’t do anything about it,” he says. “I’ve spoken about it that many times. We ward against it, we work very closely with our sports science and medical staff, who for me are absolutely top-drawer, the guys are absolute masters of their trade.
“Sometimes that happens in football, sometimes you get injuries. We’ve tried to mitigate those circumstances, but sometimes it happens.
“The other injuries and long-termers are exactly where they need to be, just to clarify that. They’re moving along well, but obviously huge disappointment in us losing Paul.”
Ewan Wilson signs new Motherwell contract
Meanwhile, in better news, Ewan Wilson has signed a new Motherwell contract. The young wing-back has enjoyed a run in the team this season after a few loans away and has become a key player.
After 13 appearances in the first-team, he has now clinched a new deal until 2027 and the club hold the option of extending that by a further year.
“It’s great to get Ewan signed up,” Kettlewell said.
“He has impressed everyone this season with his consistency. He worked so hard to get to this point, and showed a professional mentality during the summer.
“We’re now seeing the rewards of all that effort and I hope he continues the way he has started.”
Wilson was actually sent back from a loan at Stirling Albion and then had a spell in non-league football with Beith Juniors but has gone from strength to strength since returning to Fir Park.