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Ian Evatt has confirmed that on-loan winger Xavier Amaechi will be out for a “significant period of time” after surgery on his foot.
The former Arsenal man, on loan from Hamburg, will miss at least the first month of the new season as he recovers from an operation to repair his metatarsal.
Amaechi posted on social media earlier today that the op had been a success – but Evatt is planning to be without his services for some time.
“We hope to have him back as soon as we possibly can but this isn’t a short-term one, this will be one where he is out for a significant period,” he said.
“For now we have to offer him support, help and guidance and make sure that when he comes back in he’s rehabbing properly to get back out there.”
Wanderers will look to bring in another attacking player to cover for Amaechi but may have to wait until they can create space in their squad.
Evatt expects to move out a few players, either permanently or on loan, but confirmed that he will be looking to add some extra firepower to his side before the close of the transfer window.
“There are still no developments on players going out but, generally, it is quite quiet still,” he said.
“Once that first domino starts to fall, the rest will start to fall into place, and once the season kicks off and people think they are short in certain areas it will trigger. There definitely will be outgoings, there will be some of the younger players going out to get experience, no doubt, and we will be looking actively to try and replace Xav because we’re short at the top end of the pitch, there’s no doubt about that.”
Amaechi signed on loan until January and will remain with Wanderers after getting the all-clear from medical staff to start his rehab.
Evatt believes that other players in the squad can help him bounce back quickly.
“We have had a few who have had significant injuries – if you speak to Liam Edwards as well as Dennis (Politic), and it is not easy at all. It is mentally challenging more than anything else,” he said.
“It is that side of things that we really need to make sure he is OK and that he can deal with it day to day.”
Wanderers play their final first team friendly at home to Blackburn Rovers on Saturday and could still be without a few players who have been self-isolating because of Covid contacts.
Evatt has had no further absentees this week and hopes to have a clean bill of health by the start of next week as the club builds towards the opening game of the season against MK Dons.
“This week, we’re okay,” he said. “I think by Monday or certainly by early next week we will have everyone back that has been self-isolating.
“We are not far off from getting through our first wave, so to speak, which is good.”
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