Latics facing anxious wait over Elokobi

Photo: VINCENT BROWN

PAIN GAME: George Elokobi is helped off the pitch by Athletic physio Jon Guy.

ATHLETIC face the possibility of losing George Elokobi for up to six weeks after the imposing centre-back hobbled off the field against Scunthorpe.

The 28 year old shouted in frustration after pulling up with a thigh problem late in the first half at SportsDirect.com Park and was replaced by Genseric Kusunga.

The true extent of the injury isn’t yet known: Elokobi has been told to rest until a scan tomorrow.

But there are fears the commanding centre-back could be out of action until mid-November - and he is unlikely to feature in Athletic’s trip to Peterborough on Saturday.

“He just felt a little ‘pop’ on his thigh so it looks like a thigh muscle tear, but we don’t know yet,” manager Lee Johnson said of the injury.

“He has never had an injury there before, so it’s not like he has opened up an old wound. We just have to hope for the best.”

Kusunga is likely to be absent for the home game against Walsall on October 11 due to an international call from Angola.

Should Elokobi’s injury keep him out past that date, it could prompt boss Johnson into the transfer

market.

Adam Lockwood remains out of action and the only other recognised centre-back on the books is Timothee Dieng, who Johnson says is ready to feature when needed.

Johnson added: “We may have to look at it, but Timothee is ready. He has been unlucky, but can definitely play there.

“I am really happy with the squad. I am still trying to bring in one more, but it is the strongest squad we have had since I have been here and I am really pleased with it.”