Morecambe manager Stephen Robinson admits injury crisis has plagued their forward line.

Courtney Duffus is set to see a specialist today amid fears of another lengthy absence to the side. 

“He’s got a thigh injury and it could be months,” said Robinson, via Lancaster Guardian.

“It seems the centre-forward position is cursed. Everyone we bring in to replace the injured one then gets injured.”

The Irishman has made three appearances for the side so far this season, but he now joins the list of absentees, alongside Jon Obika and Jonah Ayunga. 

“Jonah Ayunga, I can’t see him being involved in the next eight or 10 days,” Robinson continued.

This means that Cole Stockton is the club’s only fit out-and-out striker. However, he was rested midweek in place of Freddie Price.

“He’s vital to what we do,” Robinson said of Stockton.

“We’ve got four strikers injured but we aren’t comparing Freddie to Cole, they are completely different players.

“Again, that’s his (Price) first football of the season and expectations can’t be too high.”

Another player out with injury has been Adam Phillips, who has missed the last two games. But the good news there is that the on-loan Burnley midfielder could be back in the side for the weekend’s coming fixture. 

“Adam Phillips has an ankle injury but we’re hoping he’ll be available for Saturday,” Robinson said.

“We thought it was best to keep him out of the game tonight.”

The Verdict

Losing Duffus is a loss to the side, especially considering he’s just joined the club and is still adjusting to his new surroundings. But the knock-on effect means that Morecambe are only left with one forward for the time being.

Given the amount of games at this stage of the season, playing every weekend and midweek, it will be a struggle to keep Stockton playing 90 minutes each game. 

But Stockton has started the season with his scoring boots on, which should give Robinson some optimism. Six goals from six games is a very impressive return and if he can maintain that kind of form then the injury crisis up front shouldn’t be the biggest concern at the club.