Injured Conor could be out for a month

CONOR WILKINSON . . . hamstring injury.

ATHLETIC are reeling at news that Conor Wilkinson could miss the next month of action as the club heads towards a critical point of the season.

The loaned Bolton striker pulled a hamstring in the game against Swindon and a scan back in Bolton has revealed a tear.

Wilkinson will be out for two to four weeks – a significant blow. No replacement on loan is likely to step into the breach, manager Lee Johnson has confirmed.

Ahead of Saturday's trip to Leyton Orient, the Athletic boss said Wilkinson's replacement from the start was one more downer in a drab 1-0 defeat in front of a packed but mainly miserable stadium.

“This is what happens in football. Rhys Murphy came into a difficult game here in his place, but didn't do enough.”

Creative spark Carl Winchester stayed on the substitutes' bench until a triple change in the 57th minute, due to a minor injury that prevented him playing the whole game.