Warren Joyce has expressed worry over fitness concerns of his injured players.
The injured defenders Reece Burke – on a season long loan from Premier League side West Ham – and Nathan Byrne picked up the knock over the weekend clash. Wigan Athletic lost at home by a lone goal to Derby County and the two late cry-offs were another worry for the coach who only signed both of them this summer.
While the Hammers loanee had a problem with his hips, Bryne has issues with his ankle. Joyce had to employ Luke Garbutt as right back instead of his usual left back position. The move ensured the Latics did not enjoy him down the flank, as he could not cut in using his left as he was supposed to.
“Reece and Nathan pulling out injured was another curve-ball for us, leaving us without a right back. Luke, I don’t think has ever played right back before, and you’re asking him to come cross. I’m trying to talk about consistency, and players playing in the same position,” Joyce confessed.
“Bu we’ve not been able to forge that because of a mixture of injuries, knocks and even illness,” he added.
Since Kyle Knoyle’s injury during his first training session, the club is still struggling to find a capable right back. Knoyle broke his elbow during the training after agreeing to spend a year on loan with Wigan.
Joyce claims that the absence of a natural right back is “the biggest problem.” Natural centre half Burke has been playing the role in a bid to manage the players left.
“Reece has done a tremendous job for us, but he probably regards himself more of a centre back. But that’s just circumstances, and you’re asking players to adapt, as we did when Stephen Warnock has filled in at left centre back,” Joyce said.