Walsall won't postpone match despite five player call-ups

Walsall, currently leading League Two, will face a tough match against Gillingham today despite missing five key players due to international duties. Manager Mat Sadler said the decision not to postpone the match was beyond the club's control. Three of the absent players are regulars on the starting team. Loanee goalkeeper Tommy Simkin is with England Under-21s, and striker Ethan Wheatley is with the Under-19s. Defender Liam Gordon is representing Guyana, while David Okagbue and Darius Lipsiuc are unavailable for Republic of Ireland duty. Additionally, Connor Barrett is suspended for two matches after getting ten yellow cards. Walsall's last win was on February 22. Since top scorer Nathan Lowe's recall in January, their performance has declined. A recent draw has extended their winless streak to five games, putting pressure on them to secure points today. Despite having a strong squad, Sadler expressed disappointment over not being able to reschedule. He mentioned logistical challenges, as rescheduling could lead to an exhausting sequence of four games in nine days in April. Gillingham's manager John Coleman, while acknowledging Walsall's missing players, noted that injuries can often lead to surprising performances. He emphasized the importance of preparing well for the match, despite the challenges faced by Walsall.