We'll have to see how we cope now. I personally welcome going 2 up front, because we really do need more firepower, and to score more goals. Ash has been off form this season and he's really struggling to make an impact as 2nd striker.
I felt he needed dropping for a game or two anyway, just because we're so reliant on him and he's got no risk of being dropped it seems. I don't see him getting a kick up the ass that a spell on the bench could give him.
It's down to whoever takes his place in the 11 to cement a place, and then it's down to Ashley to earn his spot back when he returns. I won't say it's a blessing in disguise, because dropped or not, if he's on the bench we can bring him on should it be needed. But of course injured, he's now not an option.
There's always Pires...