(Picture: Action Images)
Blackpool manager Gary Bowyer has been handed two fitness boosts with Danny Philliskirk and Jamille Matt nearing a return to first-team action.
Philliskirk, 25, had an impressive pre-season after joining from Oldham in January, but has been out of action since rolling his ankle on the opening day of the season.
However, ahead of the weekend's clash against in-form Colchester, Philliskirk has returned to fitness after working closely with the club's physio.
Bowyer said: “He was doing ever so well and playing some very good football. He was just starting to strike a partnership up with Kyle Vassell.
“Him coming back now obviously gives us another option, but he has the ability to play out wide as well so it'll be like getting two players back.”
Meanwhile, former Fleetwood and Plymouth forward Matt, 25, is also close to a return with the Seasiders, after missing the last six games through a knee injury suffered against Bolton in the EFL Cup.
Bowyer said: “We certainly hope he will be able to join in on Friday with training and that will give me a selection problem, but it's certainly a nice one.”
