Wigan Athletic chief provides James Carragher injury update - 'slightly worse'

The 23-year-old hasn't played since the 1-0 home defeat to Lincoln City on January 31.

Then-boss Ryan Lowe finally removed him from the firing line after he played through the pain barrier for several matches.

During his absence, Latics have lost four of their five matches - conceding 16 goals - with their only win coming against Luton Town in Gary Caldwell's first match in charge.

Caldwell says Carragher has been champing at the bit to get back out on to the field, but his efforts to do so has meant his return has been delayed even further.

"He tried, in fairness he really put himself forward last week...to try to get out on the pitch on Friday," reported the Latics chief.

"He trained a little bit, to see if he could possibly play some part on Saturday, but he couldn't make it.

"And actually, his ankle is probably in a slightly worse condition than it was before, so he'll probably be another couple of weeks.

"His effort and his desire to get out there is admirable, but it wasn't to be.

"And we'll probably need to shut him down for a couple of weeks to make sure he's 100 per cent right when he does come back.

"Getting Carra back is important, because we need everyone on board for the last 14 games."

Carragher's absence has opened the door for others to stake a claim, including youngster Llyton Chapman, who came on for his senior debut last weekend during the 4-2 defeat at Stockport County.

"I must say Llyton was outstanding when he came on last week at Stockport," added Caldwell.

"To bring a play on for his senior debut, away from home, at 2-2, when you're down to 10 men...his attitude and his confidence levels to come on that pitch...was incredible.

"He was leading, he was organising, he was putting his body on the line, in a game like that.

"He wanted to go through some clips, to see how he could get better, and I told him it doesn't get much tougher than that environment for your debut.”