Preston North End manager Paul Heckingbottom has confirmed that striker Will Keane will not be rushed back from a minor hamstring injury. Keane, 31, was unexpectedly absent from the match against Middlesbrough after starting the first two league games under Heckingbottom. Having signed a new contract in August amid interest from West Brom and other Championship clubs, Keane will miss Tuesday’s cup game against Fulham and is unlikely to feature in Sunday’s Lancashire derby against Blackburn Rovers.
Heckingbottom stressed the importance of not taking risks with Keane’s recovery, especially given the squad’s current depth. “It’s just a really low-grade hamstring injury, so we are keeping him out for now,” said the manager. “We are not taking any chances and letting him recover in a controlled manner.”
Defender Liam Lindsay will return from suspension, while forward Milutin Osmajic, fresh from a hat-trick in the second round against Harrogate Town, could start in Keane’s absence. Heckingbottom also touched on the tactical decision to substitute summer signing Jeppe Okkels at halftime during Saturday’s game, emphasizing that it was a strategic move rather than a reflection on the player’s performance. He explained that such changes are part of the team’s approach and will likely occur more throughout the season.
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