Swindon’s Ben Middlemass needs surgery as Holloway details injury crisis

Swindon Town midfielder Ben Middlemass needs surgery for a cartilage problem as manager Ian Holloway faces an extensive injury list, BBC Sport reported on Friday. Holloway expects the midfielder to miss at least eight weeks, but warned that the absence could extend to 20 weeks. That longer period remains a possibility rather than a confirmed recovery timetable.

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Middlemass is one of several players whose availability is troubling the League Two club. Full-back Joel McGregor is still waiting to see a specialist, meaning the nature of his injury has not yet been established. Holloway said many of the absences were expected to be lengthy and described the current situation as unlike anything he had previously experienced.

Captain Ollie Clarke, Matty Virtue and Paul Glatzel were the latest players to add to those concerns. Speaking to BBC Radio Wiltshire, Holloway said Clarke might be unable to play, while Virtue was not fit. Glatzel was ruled out after having fluid removed from his knee. The manager’s account left Clarke’s availability uncertain, rather than confirming that all three faced the same immediate outlook.

Louis Millard’s condition also remained a factor in the size of the available squad. Holloway said Millard had trained and appeared fit, but still had a very sore shoulder. If he could not play, the manager said the number unavailable would reach 13, leaving only 15 players. Mitch Clark is also serving a suspension following his dismissal against York, while Sam Inwood is away on international duty.

The shortage comes during a difficult run of results. Swindon are 12th in League Two, with three wins from eight league matches and no victory in their past three. They have collected 11 points, with 10 earned at home and one away. The club have yet to win on their travels this season.

Holloway called for greater backing for his players and acknowledged pressure over results. He said missed pre-season preparation had complicated the injury situation, while the remaining squad members were being asked to carry too much of the workload. His immediate concern was supporting those still available while the club deals with multiple absences and uncertain return dates.