Blackpool are dealing with an injury crisis ahead of this weekend’s clash with Wanderers – and Steve Bruce admits it is a “tough time”.

The Seasiders are without a win in their last seven league matches and find themselves 18th in the table.

Bruce’s side had to settle for a point against Northampton before the international break, with Rob Apter missing a big chance to win it in the final stages.

The likes of Andy Lyons, Albie Morgan, Sonny Carey, Elkan Baggott, Jake Beesley and CJ Hamilton are reportedly set to miss this weekend’s game, while James Husband and Kyle Joseph are also doubts.

Bruce, who took charge at Bloomfield Road in September following Neil Critchley’s sacking, insists they must “stick together”.

“It is the disappointing thing, it has really hampered us,” he told The Gazette.

“We have had key injuries to the players who are a big part of the team. We went for two out-and-out wide players with Rob (Apter) and CJ (Hamilton), and that creativity is difficult to replace.

“This is what you find when you are up against it. We have to stick together, we know what we are capable of.

“It is a tough time at the minute, but we have got to do the basics well. They worked their socks off but there was a little bit of confidence missing, we will have to repair it and see what we can do.

“The supporters are incredible and nearly got us over the line. I think they realise the lads are trying their best, but that little bit of edginess has crept in.”

Blackpool narrowly missed out on the play-offs last term following defeat against Reading on the final day.

The Seasiders had an upturn in form after Bruce’s arrival but have now failed to score in three of their last four matches in all competitions.

“We got off to a mediocre start, had a wonderful time for a month, and now we have had a bad month,” the head coach added.

“That is where we are at this particular moment, so we have to go back to the drawing board, see what we have got this week, and come up with something a little bit different because it is evident we are going to be without key players.

“We are capable of putting back-to-back results together. It is frustrating but football is all about pressure, it is about how you deal with it.

“We thought we had turned a corner, so we have to try and get back up and running. What better place than Bolton.”