Peterborough United’s chairman, Darragh MacAnthony, used his X account to respond to a Peterborough Telegraph piece that highlighted the absence of Sam Hughes, Tom O’Connor and George Nevett from the recent friendly against Colchester United.

MacAnthony explained that Hughes is sidelined with a calf issue, O’Connor is recovering from a serious hamstring injury, and Nevett, listed for transfer, has featured in pre‑season fixtures. He added that two of the trio should be available for the first League One match, if not the Carabao Cup tie.

Historical Background

Last season, Peterborough endured a revolving door of centre‑backs, with over twenty different pairings due to injuries and premature signings. The instability was widely cited as a key factor behind the club’s mid‑table finish.

Defensive Availability

Defender	Injury Status	Expected Return
Sam Hughes	Calf problem (since Apr 2025)	Uncertain, may miss start of season
Tom O’Connor	Hamstring injury (since Jan 2026)	Targeting fitness for first league game
George Nevett	Transfer‑list, played pre‑season	Available if selected

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that a stable back line is directly linked to a club’s points per game in League One; disruptions can cost up to 0.4 points per match.

“Consistent centre‑back partnerships are the foundation of any promotion‑ambitious side,” says former League One defender James Miller.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Will Hughes be fit for the opening league match?
The club hopes he will be, but his lack of preseason action makes it uncertain.

Q2: How many new defenders were signed this summer?
Only one centre‑back, Evan Weir, was added, alongside midfield and wing signings.