Wigan reveal extent of injury woe

James Gordon

Top of the table Wigan prepare to face Hull this Friday with no fewer than 13 first-teamers unavailable through injury.

Captain Sean O’Loughlin was the latest to join the injured parties on Sunday, taken off early along with Jack Wells in the 16-all draw with Huddersfield which preserved the Warriors unbeaten start to the Super League season.

A calf injury is expected to keep O’Loughlin out for a fortnight, according to Wigan Today.

He joins a prolonged list of players on the treatment table that also includes Sam Tomkins, expected to be out until late April with a broken foot.

Wingers Lewis Tierney and Joe Burgess are both more than a fortnight away due to knee injuries, while Dominic Manfredi is out of action until autumn.

Jake Shorrocks and Connor Farrell are also out with knee injuries for the next two-to-three weeks, while Liam Farrell has a pulled calf.

Hooker Michael McIlorum is still recovering from a broken ankle and is expected back in late April, and England international John Bateman is out until June with his shoulder injury.

Completing the list are youngsters Ryan Sutton, out for up to two weeks with an eye injury, and Wells, who suffered an ankle knock against the Giants.

There is some good news for Wigan fans however, with in-form centre Oliver Gildart expected to be in contention for the visit of the Airlie Birds.