Preston boss reveals injury worry after another Championship defeat – and explains decision to make changes

Paul Heckingbottom has revealed Andrija Vukcevic was forced off with a back problem during Preston North End’s 2-1 Championship defeat to Watford.

Vukcevic had impressed before being substituted, with Heckingbottom confirming the decision was injury related rather than tactical after the defender felt discomfort following a challenge.

“[Vukcevic] felt his back,” the Preston boss explained. “I think he got fouled in the box clearing it, and he said he’d done his back.”

Heckingbottom also explained his decision to make changes to his starting line-up amid a busy run of fixtures, with Johnny Kenny among those brought into the side.

“We felt it was right to inject a bit of freshness into it, changing one or two around,” he said.

“But also someone like Johnny, we need to get him up to speed and when all the games are coming thick and fast, the only way we can do that is in game time as well. So it was important that he played to keep him ready.”

Heckingbottom also felt Preston needed to retain some speed in attack after leaving Delano Burgzorg out of the starting side.

“I think we needed to make sure, because we took Della out, that we had a bit of pace on the top line to carry that threat as well,” he added.