Mvoto tonic for Latics

JEAN-Yves Mvoto is carried off during yesterday’s derby at Boundary Park. PICTURE: DARREN ROBINSON

JEAN-Yves Mvoto could give Athletic a big boost by returning to action in around three weeks’ time.

That is the early indication surrounding the giant centre-back’s painful-looking ankle injury which he sustained during the derby defeat to Rochdale at Boundary Park.

The 22-year-old was replaced by Neal Trotman after only 20 minutes of the 2-1 defeat and departed the ground on crutches.

Whether Trotman will now stick around to fill in for Mvoto is unclear.

Manager Paul Dickov confirmed after the game that he wants to keep hold of all five players currently on loan with the club, the maximum number allowed in any match-day squad.

But should Championship outfit Preston elect to recall Trotman, whose loan has now expired, it would leave Athletic’s manager searching new avenues for cover ahead of this Saturday’s home clash with Swindon.

The other short-term loan players Athletic are hoping to renew deals for are left-sided duo Cedric Evina and Aidan White.

But the latter player’s situation may be complicated by the fact that he also left Boundary Park on crutches after taking a whack on an ankle in the late stages of the game.

“We are trying to finalise one or two things this week,” said Athletic chief executive Alan Hardy.

Both White and Mvoto will be re-examined to discover the extent of their respective injuries.

“We will wait 24 to 48 hours and assess it from there,” said Dickov, in reference to the knock which saw Mvoto carried off the field.

“Hopefully, touch wood, it isn’t too serious.

“Neal Trotman came on and he was excellent. It has been a frustrating time for Neal. He has been here six weeks already and that was his first game.

“He did very well, as everybody did.”

Jon Worthington has returned to Athletic with a hamstring strain following the end of his loan deal at Fleetwood Town.

Joe Jacobson is also back following a short stay at Accrington, and another club has targeted the former Bristol Rovers left-back.

Swindon enjoyed an excellent 4-2 win at Charlton last night thanks to goals from Charlie Austin (two), Matt Ritchie and Sean Morrison.

Athletic are now 12th in the npower League One table.