Shots' Big Injury Problems A First For Waddock

The fifth-placed Shots host Dover Athletic tomorrow, who are just below them in the Vanarama National League standings, and it would seem a good time to play Waddock's depleted men.

Four players made their debuts for Aldershot during their 1-0 win over Solihull Moors last week as the injuries began to mount. Ipswich Town loanees George Fowler and Adam McDonnell, and seventeen-year-old Academy graduates Luca Wrightman and Matt Bozier all pulled on a red and blue shirt for the first time.

It is believed that strikers Shaun Okojie and Scott Rendell will be available for selection tomorrow but Aldershot will be without Will Evans, Will de Havilland, Kodi Lyons-Foster, Manny Oyeleke and Shamir Fenelon while Matt McClure may not be risked.

There was further bad news for the Shots as they learned Nick Arnold had sustained a Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury that will require surgery.

Waddock told the club's website: "We're working extremely hard, there are a number of players out injured at present. We're all digging in together to continue what we're trying to do.

"I don't think we've ha injuries as bad as it is at present. I've looked back over the last few days and I don't think I've ever been in a situation like this with so many players out of the team.

"You can't select them, you can't pick them so our focus is on the players who are fit. Opportunity knocks for people and they have to take that opportunity when it comes, that's where we are.

"We have to be patient with it and with the players who are out and give them time to get back. It's hard enough anyway when everyone's fit. We have to mould a formation, a starting eleven that's got an opportunity to win the game."

Aldershot have added Forest Green Rovers' midfielder Fabien Roberts on loan from the League Two side this afternoon.

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