Taylor out for weeks with rib injury

Bruce told the Wigan Evening Post: "Taylor is the only injury we have at the moment. It looks like the muscle has come away from the bone in his ribs so obviously he is still very sore.

"The injury will repair itself, it just needs time. I would expect to be without Taylor for at least another couple of weeks."

Meanwhile, both Erik Hagen and Erik Edman are in contention for Saturday's visit of Derby County. Edman could well start the game with Kevin Kilbane pushed further up the wing.

But Bruce would not rule out giving a chance to out-of-favour Jason Koumas.

"That [Taylor's injury] leaves a space on the left side of midfield. Kilbane is an option to play there which gives the team balance, while Jason Koumas comes into the reckoning too," added Bruce.

"He keeps coming on and doing particularly well, so I'll certainly be considering him."

Bruce has also shed some light on the rumours surrounding South Korean midfielder Kim Jung-woo who has been on trial at the club.

"He injured his knee when he was training although it's nothing too serious. We will maybe look again when he recovers. He has been at Grampus Eight in Japan, so he comes with a good pedigree," said Bruce.