Oliver Gildart's injury setback... but duo close to Wigan Warriors return

Oliver Gildart in the new alternative purple kitOliver Gildart in the new alternative purple kit
Oliver Gildart in the new alternative purple kit
Oliver Gildart has suffered an injury setback - but Bevan French and Dom Manfredi could return next week.

Centre Gildart has yet to play this year after suffering a groin strain during pre-season training.

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Coach Adrian Lam revealed he may need two weeks longer to recover.

"He had a bit of a strain in his own training so he's probably set back a couple of weeks, which is frustrating for Oliver," said Lam.

But on a more positive note, two frontline backs may return for their next match at home to Castleford next Thursday.

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French, who was late coming back from Australia as he spent time with his family, was close to figuring in Thursday's 19-6 win at Leeds but wasn't risked.

And winger Manfredi - recovering from a thumb injury - may also be available soon.

"Bevan will be good to go and we'll check on Dom as the week unfolds," said Lam. "He's been doing everything he's needed to and we'll see how he fits in."

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On Thursday, Zak Hardaker was again outstanding in his preferred full-back role - the position in which French was the No.1 pick last year.

Asked if Hardaker will revert back to centre to accommodate French, Lam said: "We'll have to wait and see. They're both going to be in the team, they both play a role.

"Zak has been outstanding and couldn't have done any more, we'll just have to weigh it up.

"We've had two forwards in the centres and an 18-year-old on the wing, so I'm just grateful we've got an outside back to add, and I'm looking forward to having that headache."

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