Wigan Athletic '˜have quality to cope without Nick Powell', says Christian Walton

Christian Walton believes the potential absence of Nick Powell at Bolton this weekend would merely provide an opportunity for another member of the Wigan Athletic squad to show what they can do.
Christian WaltonChristian Walton
Christian Walton

Powell is the major doubt ahead of the short trip to the University of Bolton Stadium – Reebok/Macron in old money – after being forced off injured in each of the last two matches with hamstring damage.

The second occasion came just 20 minutes into Wednesday night’s 3-1 victory over Blackburn at the DW, but replacement Josh Windass produced arguably his best performance in a Latics shirt to stake his claim.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Callum McManaman, too, gave boss Paul Cook a nudge by coming off the bench to score the match-clinching third goal, and Walton is confident there would be no dip in quality should Powell miss out.

“We know the quality we’ve got at the top end of the field,” acknowledged Walton.

“It’d be a blow to lose Nick Powell, but you look at the guys who’ve come in to the side in recent weeks and the quality is still there.

“For Callum especially – who’s been there or thereabouts for most of the season – to come on and get a goal was especially pleasing to see.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Latics have already picked up four points this week, from a 0-0 draw against Reading last Saturday and the midweek win over a Rovers side that pushed them all the way for the League One title last term.

“Obviously after last year there was extra feeling in the Blackburn fixture,” added Walton. “But I think the most important thing was getting back to winning ways, and giving the fans something to cheer after a lean few weeks.

“The trip to Bolton will be even better if anything, we know we’ll have a massive travelling support who we want to reward.”

Windass is expected to get the nod if Powell fails to prove his fitness.

Michael Jacobs, Gavin Massey (both hamstring), Chey Dunkley (knee) and Antonee Robinson (ankle) remain on the injury list.