Shaun Maloney has delivered a mixed update on Wigan Athletic’s injury situation ahead of their upcoming match against Leyton Orient. Goalkeeper Sam Tickle and center-back Liam Morrison, both of whom sustained injuries while on international duty with England Under-21s and Scotland Under-21s, respectively, are the focal points of concern.
While Tickle has managed to escape with a minor injury and is likely to be available for the weekend fixture, Morrison’s situation is less promising. Maloney disclosed that Morrison, the on-loan Bayern Munich defender, injured a quad during the early days of the Scotland camp, ruling him out for an extended period until mid-December.
Maloney expressed cautious optimism about Tickle’s availability for the upcoming game, stating that the goalkeeper participated in Thursday morning’s training session. However, the news regarding Morrison was less favorable, with Maloney acknowledging the setback and estimating a return date in the second or third week of December.
Morrison’s absence is perceived as a significant blow to Wigan Athletic, considering his recent resurgence in form, contributing to the team’s improved performances. Maloney commended Morrison’s progress in the past few weeks and highlighted his positive impact since joining the club. The manager acknowledged the challenge Morrison faced when temporarily dropped from the team but emphasized the need for resilience as he looks to bounce back.
The injury concerns extend beyond Tickle and Morrison, with defender Sean Clare nearing a return after a three-week absence due to a hip injury. Maloney expressed caution about Clare’s readiness for the upcoming match, considering his recent return to full training. Additionally, Steven Sessegnon, recovering from a hamstring injury sustained earlier in the month, is progressing well but is expected to be sidelined for a couple more weeks.
In summary, Wigan Athletic faces a challenging scenario with a mix of positive and negative injury updates, highlighting the team’s need for depth and resilience in the face of setbacks.
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