"We've Got Three Games To Find The Solutions"
Wednesday, 17th Dec 2008 08:11

Roberto Martinez says that his squad has got three games to find the solutions to their left back dilemma

The Swansea City manager will take his side to Blackpool on the weekend looking for the man to replace Stephen O'Hallorhan who has been ruled out for the rest of the season.

The on-loan Aston Villa defender was stretchered off in the 1-1 draw with Sheffield United last weekend - the third Swans left back in recent weeks to have suffered an injury and the third Swans player to be ruled out for the season.

O'Hallorhan was bought in after Marcos Painter was ruled out for the season after sustaining an injury against Southampton. Now with Bessone injured at Bristol City and O'Hallorhan against the Blades, the call seems certain to go to Alan Tate for the weekend trip.

And with the emergency loan window closed, Martinez knows that for now the solution must come from within and he has given his squad three games to prove that he does not need to dip immediately to look for a replacement come January.

Speaking to the Evening Post, Martinez said "The emergency loan window is closed, so it is a fantastic challenge for the squad

"We will have to find a solution in the squad and we have a few options.

"We need to make sure in our daily work that we find the right option.

"We have a great opportunity — we have got three games before the window, and we will have to find our options in the squad.

"Stephen in my mind was to stay on until the end of the season. That was the kind of cover we needed in that position with him and Fede.

"At the moment that has changed.

"We have got three games where we need to find the solutions.

"As a squad you have seen Alan Tate come off the bench and play in many, many options.

"That is a huge strength. We have got that within the squad.

"It is great to have a squad that can you find solutions.

"Left-back is a specific position, but the teams we will play against will give us a different need in that position.

"We need to make sure we respond positively towards it.

"The ACL is damaged, but that is good news in that it is the only structure that is affected," said Martinez.

"The cartilage and the meniscus are fine and the lateral ligament too.

"His old injury has happened again and Aston Vila will look into it and make sure he gets the best treatment possible. We send our best wishes because since he arrived he has worked extremely hard and has represented Aston Villa in a great way.

"He was starting to enjoy his football. The last half hour against Barnsley, he was a threat going forward and this is a big, big blow.

"We all hope he has a speedy recovery."