Wigan V Reading at The DW Stadium : Match Preview

08 August 2014 13:01
Wigan V Reading - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.


Latics duo still missing

Wigan will start the season against Reading without their long-term injury absentees Ben Watson and Chris McCann.

The midfield duo missed Latics' end of season run-in last year and neither Watson (broken leg) or McCann (knee) are set to return just yet.

Uwe Rosler's pre-season preparations have been hit by injuries - winger James McClean (ankle) is still out - with Wigan forced to cancel a pre-season friendly in Germany to protect their players from problems.

Striker Grant Holt, who spent the end of last season on loan with Aston Villa, is back at the DW Stadium but has been playing with the development squad.

Reading boss Nigel Adkins will have a whole host of injury problems when he prepares his side for their visit to the DW Stadium.

Hal Robson-Kanu became the latest doubt after injuring his knee during pre-season, adding to a long list including the likes of Danny Guthrie (calf), Gareth McCleary (back) and Danny Williams (also knee).

Newly installed club-captain Jem Karacan (cruciate) will miss the start of the season as he continues his lengthy recovery while Adkins attempts to juggle a threadbare squad.

Reading released 11 players during the summer but are yet to bring in any fresh faces due to the club's impending takeover by a Thailand-based consortium.




Source: PA