Wigan hooker McIlorum suffers broken arm

Wigan coach Shaun Wane has confirmed that England hooker Michael McIlorum has suffered a broken arm.

The 26-year-old will now be out of action for around two months, potentially damaging Wigan’s chances of winning the League Leaders Shield.

He missed Sunday’s defeat to Wakefield, having sustained the injury in the latter stages of the midweek victory over Widnes.

Wane remains optimistic that the player will return for the play-offs, however.

“We’ll hopefully get him back for the play-offs,” the coach told BBC Radio Manchester.

“He’s the best hooker in the world for me and he’s going to be a loss.”

Sean O’Loughlin also missed Sunday’s defeat, though it is understood he will return to action for Friday’s eagerly anticipated derby with St Helens.

Wane admits that he does not know the reason why his players have been so injury prone during the course of the current campaign.

“I’ve never known a season like it,” he said.

“There’s not a common theme to them – they’re all random injuries.

“We were top of the competition, and when you consider we’ve had so many players out for so long, we’re in a good position. Slowly but surely, those players will be coming back.”