Brown eyes Latics return
Connor Brown is poised to return to the Oldham defence when Paul Dickov's side host Brentford in npower League One.
Reece Wabara has returned to Manchester City at the end of his loan spell and, although discussions between the clubs are ongoing over a return to Boundary Park for the England Under-20 defender, Brown is favourite to feature at right-back in his expected absence.
Dickov remains short in midfield after it was confirmed this week that Cristian Montano faces at least two months on the sidelines with a torn thigh muscle.
James Wesolowski serves the second match of a three-game ban, while regular central midfield partner Dean Furman is on international duty with South Africa in the African Nations Cup.
Brentford defenders Jake Bidwell and Lee Hodson are in the squad after extending their loan deals.
Bidwell is staying for at least another month from Everton and Watford full-back Hodson has agreed a deal until the end of the season.
Striker Marcello Trotta plays the last game of his current loan spell from Fulham but the Bees are hoping to extend his stint as well.
Trotta, Harry Forrester and Shaleum Logan could return to the starting line-up after manager Uwe Rosler made changes for last Saturday's FA Cup draw against Southend.
However Rosler may also have one eye on Tuesday night's replay, with a visit from holders Chelsea on offer for the winners.
Midfielder Kevin O'Connor (ankle) and striker Farid El Alagui (knee) remain on the sidelines.
Source: PA
