Early team news has been revealed for Wigan Athletic by manager Paul Cook ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Bristol City in the Championship.
The Latics head back into Championship action this weekend after suffering an FA Cup exit at the hands of high-flying Premier League outfit Leicester City, losing 2-0 at the King Power at the weekend.
In the league, it has been a battle against relegation this season and the teams below them have caught them up in recent weeks, seeing them sit in the bottom three at present. Wigan’s most recent result in the league was an impressive 3-2 win away to Birmingham City which revitalised their hopes of clawing their way to safety in the second half of the season.
Wigan suffered a setback on New Year’s Day against the Blues with both Michael Jacobs and Kal Naismith suffering injuries that kept them out of the FA Cup clash on Saturday against the Foxes.
Along with these two, Kieffer Moore, Dujon Sterling, Charlie Mulgrew, Danny Fox and Joe Williams have been struggling with injuries of their own and Paul Cook provided an update on Friday morning to the club’s official site on the availability of the recovering group.
He stated: "It's mainly good news from us, as Joe Williams is fine from Saturday and Kal Naismith comes back into the team after missing out at Leicester. Kieffer Moore returned to training this week as well and becomes available.
"From Saturday, Dujon Sterling's injury is going to keep him out for two weeks and we have had a small set back for Danny Fox with a bit of soreness.
“We'll be without Michael Jacobs and Charlie Mulgrew is as you were, but we've had a good week to prepare for Bristol and the mood in the camp is very positive for our first home game of the year."
Mixed news sees some players return for selection for tomorrow’s game, while Cook will be without Sterling and Jacobs after their fresh injuries, along with the players that were already known to be ruled out.
The Verdict
Mixed team news for Wigan against the Robins, and they will be hoping that they can cope with what they have or potentially make some signings to help cover gaps for the rest of the season.
It won’t be an easy game for Cook’s men as Bristol look to push for the top six, however they will be buoyed after their 2-2 draw at Ashton Gate earlier in the season.
Losing Sterling and Jacobs is a big blow but at least the arrival of Kieran Dowell has helped plug one gap in the squad.