Latics hit by Wes body blow

SIDELINED; James Wesolowski may miss eight matches through injury.

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Midfield ace faces six-week absence
JAMES Wesolowski could miss the next EIGHT league matches for Athletic as a result of his hamstring injury, which is worse than was believed earlier this week.

The 24-year-old midfielder was absent from last night’s disappointing home draw with Walsall, after pulling up in training on Saturday.

Manager Paul Dickov had been hopeful he would be fit for a quick return. But a scan yesterday revealed a tear.

““It is a massive blow for us,” said Dickov.

“Anyone who has seen the last two games will know we have missed him.”

The news means Youssouf Mchangama, who scored his first Athletic goal last night, is likely to continue in his central role in midfield alongside captain Dean Furman for the foreseeable future.

Dickov is seeking a much-improved performance to what he witnessed in the second half last night, in which he felt his team were simply not good enough.

“We were a goal up at half-time. We warned the boys not to get sloppy. We stopped doing the things that got us in front in the first place.

“In the second half we looked like we wanted to have a stroll in the park.

“I told them a few home truths. They are at this level for a reason and the second half showed it.”




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