Rochdale AFC are navigating a significant injury crisis as Head Coach Watson provided a worrying update on several key players. The situation was compounded during a recent match where Ethan Ebanks-Landell was forced off with an injury and Sam Sherring withdrew before kick-off.
Watson confirmed the details in a report published by Rochdale AFC this week. The club currently sits 19th in League Two with 3 points from four games, having scored four goals and conceded six. Their next challenge is a tough away trip to face third-placed Walsall on September 12th.
Who is currently sidelined for Rochdale?
Ethan Ebanks-Landell's situation is particularly concerning. Watson was blunt about the defender's condition, stating, "Being fully transparent, he should never have been anywhere near a football pitch tonight." The Head Coach explained the difficult decision, adding, "He came in yesterday and could barely move. I wasn’t going to start him, but Shez [Sam Sherring] pulled out through injury." Ebanks-Landell's commitment to play through pain was praised by Watson, who highlighted the player's mentality.
Sam Sherring's withdrawal is not expected to be a long-term issue, with a potential return for Saturday's match. Ryan East missed the game entirely due to a toe injury sustained in a tackle last Saturday, which has left him unable to move the toe properly. Bryant Bilongo is facing a longer spell out, having pulled his hamstring. He is expected to be sidelined for approximately six weeks, having also missed the defeat at Colchester United.
How did the team adapt during the match?
The rash of injuries forced Watson into immediate tactical adjustments during the game. With Sherring out and Ebanks-Landell struggling, Kane Taylor was shifted to a full-back role. Dan Moss, who Watson praised for his performance since joining the club, was deployed at centre-half to help shore up the defence. These changes came amid a congested fixture schedule that has limited the squad's ability to rest and recover properly. Fans can watch Watson's full post-match thoughts on the club's official YouTube channel.
What does this mean for Rochdale's squad depth?
The Head Coach expressed a clear preference for having too many players available rather than too few, a sentiment tested by the current wave of setbacks. He commended the collective effort and mentality of the players who stepped in, but the absences stretch a squad already looking to improve its league position. Rochdale are six points behind League Two leaders Bristol Rovers, highlighting the importance of navigating this period effectively. Supporters can track the recovery progress of all players on the club's dedicated injuries page.
Where do Rochdale go from here?
Managing the fitness of the remaining squad will be critical ahead of the trip to Walsall. The team's recent form reads WLLL, and securing a positive result against a high-flying opponent would provide a major boost. Watson will need to assess his options carefully, potentially looking to the wider squad for solutions. The defensive reshuffle involving Taylor and Moss may need to be revisited depending on Sherring's availability. All focus now turns to preparation for the match at the Bescot Stadium on September 12th.
