Injured players facing checks

ATHLETIC striker Shefki Kuqi shows his concern as team-mate James Wesolowski is led off the field against Exeter City on Saturday.

ATHLETIC were making checks on their walking wounded today.

At this stage, James Wesolowski appears to be the biggest worry ahead of next week’s crucial home clash with Chesterfield in the Northern final, second leg of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.

The combative midfielder dislocated his shoulder for the second time in a month in the first half against Exeter on Saturday and was taken to the Royal Oldham Hospital where medical staff put it back in place.

Robbie Simpson felt his hamstring tighten against the Grecians and is also a doubt at this stage.

Zander Diamond suffered a reaction to his neck injury after training last week and captain Dean Furman was missing with a sore knee.

One player who at present definitely won’t play against Chesterfield is Luca Scapuzzi.

The loan spell of the Manchester City winger, who came off the bench against Exeter, runs out on January 29, but Athletic manager Paul Dickov confirmed that he will be speaking to City this week in a bid to renew the deal.