Wane to hand out another Wigan debut as Farrell sidelined

Liam Farrell is facing a few weeks on the sidelines

Wane was waiting for results of a second scan on a cracked scapula which could give a more detailed recovery time-frame.

But he is resigned to being without the former England international for at least a few weeks.

“He’s struggling, we’re going to scan him again, but he won’t be good for a few weeks,” said Wane.

“We’re not sure exactly yet how many weeks. I’m gutted for him.”

It is thought Farrell suffered the injury while tackling Wolves forward Sitaleki Akauola and Wane hinted that the incident exposed a flaw in the rules – given shoulder charges are outlawed for defending players, but not for ball-carriers.

“It was a shoulder, it wasn’t illegal,” said Wane. “If you flip it around, and you defend that way, you’re in trouble.

“But they’ve not been penalising it and he’s not been done (by the match review panel).”

The first game Farrell will miss is Thursday’s non-televised match at Huddersfield.

Sean O’Loughlin (calf) is set to return and French forward Romain Navarrete is available again after serving a one-game suspension. Wane, who will name his 19-man squad today, said he may give a debut to either Sammy Kibula or fellow forward Oliver Partington.

“There’s a chance we’ll be giving a debut out this week,” he said. “It’s either Sammy or Oli, one of those two, I’m not sure yet. They’ve played consistently well and both have been very close, I’m looking forward to giving them a chance.”

Dan Sarginson, Joe Greenwood and George Williams may return the following week. Thomas Leuluia has been cautioned for dangerous contact in Friday’s Warrington game but is not facing a ban. Wolves prop Chris Hill also received a caution for striking.

Meanwhile, Wane is hoping Latics’ FA Cup-winning manager Roberto Martinez can guide Belgium to a World Cup Final tonight - and that England follow suit tomorrow!

“I know Roberto well, he’s done a great job there,” said Wane, ahead of Belgium’s showdown with France.

“An England-Belgium final, with Roberto there and us winning it, that would be just perfect.”

England face Croatia tomorrow night and the Wigan training ground has been gripped with World Cup-fever.

“I’m confident with England, I’m excited,” said Wane.

“I’m feeling good, I liked how assured they were (against Sweden).”