Wigan Athletic star fighting for fitness for Northampton

The midfielder was a surprise omission from the midweek defeat to Blackpool, only emerging from the bench on the hour mark with the game all-but gone.

Acting manager Leam Richardson has revealed Gardner had been nursing a hamstring strain, which may prevent him from a recall today.

“We’re monitoring that one, he’s still struggling a little bit with a tight hamstring,” reported Richardson. “He was on the bench in midweek as a precaution, and it kind of hasn’t eased up as much as we may have hoped it would.

“Obviously the lad wants to play, and we’ll probably assess that in the morning, as late as possible.

“He’s one of those players you miss when he’s not there – and I think one of the biggest compliments we can give Dan, now he’s found his fitness levels.

“It’s still a really tough ask of him when he’s been out for as long as he has, to play week in, week out, and midweek, in this heavy schedule.

“We’re not particularly blessed with a big squad so we can manage players accordingly...if they’re fit, they’re in at the moment!”

Latics are looking to bounce back to winning days after surrendering a five-match unbeaten sequence against Blackpool.

It was their second 5-0 home defeat in the last nine matches, but the form on the road – eight points from the last 12 on offer – gives huge cause for optimism.

“We’ve obviously looked into the (away) record, and it could be any of a number of things,” Richardson added.

“It’s been a forever changing team, a forever changing squad, we haven’t had a settled back four all year.

“Rather than try and come up with a reason for it, and a blame for why the reverse isn’t happening, it’s better to use all the tools at your disposal as best we can.

“However we get the job done, it’s about nailing down these eight or nine wins that will keep us in the division.”

Meanwhile, Latics’ trip to AFC Wimbledon will now take place on Tuesday, March 16 (6.30pm kick-off).

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