Stephen Baxter is counting his blessing that Crusaders only have two fixtures left in 2022.
Seaview is like a scene from Casualty at the minute with so many first team players out injured.
Baxter was forced to bring defender Josh Robinson back early to help bolster the squad for Friday night's trip to Coleraine after defenders Jarlath O'Rourke and Chris Hegarty were ruled out due to illness.
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And to add insult to injury striker Johnny McMurray injured his toe in the warm-up at The Showgrounds ruling him out of action.
The festive period is normally a busy time for clubs, but with only fixtures against Glenavon this Saturday and Cliftonville on Boxing Day to come Baxter is hoping the respite can help players get back to action again and boost his depleted squad.
“It’s definitely a bit of a blessing," said the Crues boss.
“The medical staff are working tirelessly behind the scenes trying to get a few of these guys fit.
“Johnny McMurray in the warm-up stubs his toe and couldn’t come on.
“You couldn’t make it up but these things happen and you have to ride through it.
“It’s been a very, very tough week in terms of illnesses and injuries.
“I probably don’t see too many of them being cleared up in the next week or two which is difficult.
“We might get the boys back from flu so it’s tough as you are blooding youngsters like Lewis Barr and Jay Boyd.
“Sometimes little things like that can work for you and sometimes you’re looking at it thinking it’s too early for them.
“As a manager, you have to know when it’s right to blood these guys when you think they are ready as it’s a big step-up."
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