Motherwell boss Stuart Kettlewell reckons Livingston’s pitch was a factor in an injury to Callum Butcher that could have a major impact on his pre-season.
The 32-year-old former Dundee United stopper will undergo a scan today to find out the extent of damage caused to an ankle injury sustained in the 1-1 draw on Wednesday night.
Kettlewell says the injury, which happened as Butcher went to jump up for a header, probably wouldn’t have happened had the game been at Fir Park.
And Kettlewell fears Butcher could be out for a while.
He said: “In terms of the park, I think he went to plant his foot on the pitch and I’m not so sure we’d have had the issue if it was on that surface out there.
“It’s an awkward one; he’s planted his foot, I don’t think there’s much give on the astroturf as we all know, and he felt a pop in his foot.
“It’s a real frustration for us because he’s been excellent for us, absolutely outstanding, and we talk about pitches and all the rest of it, but it was so innocuous, in terms of putting your foot down.
“I genuinely don’t think it would have happened out on that pitch at Fir Park.
“We just hope the significance of the injury isn’t too bad.
“I would hope it’s not too long a period that he’s out for.”
Kettlewell says there are a few knocks to be assessed, but wouldn’t be surprised for a few changes to be made as they head into their final game of the season against Dundee United at Fir Park on Sunday, still looking to confirm a seventh-placed Premiership finish.
He said: We’re missing a few players, so it’s about how we adjust and reshape our team and give opportunities to guys who have been training well every single day and been great pros.
“There has been a level of consistency where we’ve not had to make too many changes, but I’m fairly certain you’ll see a few on Sunday.”
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