Paper Talk: Trio on comeback trail

Last updated : 14 October 2004 By Wigan Evening Post.
The reserve game against Rotherham on Wednesday, October 27, is being seen as a realistic comeback date for both Teale and Jackson who have had knee injuries.

Jarrett, out of action since July with a broken leg and torn ankle ligaments, also has an outside chance of being ready that day.

Skipper Jackson and winger Teale were hurt within a few days of each other, Jackson stretchered off at Derby while Teale hobbled out of the draw at Watford.

Both had strained knee ligaments but they managed to start rehabilitation work almost straight away, maintaining their fitness levels.

If they do return to the second string by the end of the month, their absence will have been around the four-week mark – the length of time first predicted.

Jarrett's injury, picked up in pre-season, has been far more serious, but he is making good progress and has tentatively asked about playing again on October 27.

If that date comes a bit too soon, the reserves' visit to Walsall on November 8 is his next likely target.

The injuries to Jackson, Teale and Jarrett, together with the season-ending cruciate ligament damage suffered by Per Frandsen, have stretched the Latics squad in recent weeks.

Manager Paul Jewell has tried to use the fortnight's international break to bolster the numbers, but without any luck to date.

Four Premiership midfielders were targeted in a bid to replace Frandsen, including a sensational loan move for Chelsea's Scott Parker – Latics wanted to take him until the January transfer window when he is expected to switch to another top flight club.

But none of Jewell's hard work has paid off so far, and it's likely that the squad which sets off to Devon tomorrow for Saturday's clash against Plymouth will have a familiar look about it.

The latest name to be linked with a move to the JJB Stadium is Liverpool's Igor Biscan, the Croatian midfielder currently out of favour at Anfield.

Latics have a couple of minor injury worries to clear up before the weekend, Nicky Eaden under treatment for a hamstring strain while Jason Roberts continues his recovery after surgery to repair a torn tendon in his little finger last week.

Roberts returned to training earlier in the week but is having to play with a large bandage on his hand and has had to avoid too much contact.

Right-back Eaden picked up the hamstring problem in training and his place will go to David Wright if he doesn't recover in time.