Smith body blow for Latics

Boss Lee Johnson says the fans will have been “frustrated” after Athletic conceded an injury-time equaliser at Crewe on Saturday.

KOREY Smith will be missing for two to six weeks with a knee injury — leaving Athletic short in their time of need.

The captain is suffering from the same problem that ruled him out for three weeks last month. He will now be given time to allow the affected area to settle.

Smith was a notable absentee as Athletic drew 1-1 at Crewe. At the very least, the former Norwich City midfield man won’t feature in Saturday’s home clash with Crawley and the trip to Leyton Orient three days later.

It means Joel Byrom, who signed for Athletic on an emergency loan from Preston on Friday afternoon, will get the chance to impress once again alongside stand-in skipper James Wesolowski.

“It will be another tough one,” Johnson said of the Crawley game, which arrives with Athletic two points clear of the drop zone in 18th place in the league.