Latics face nervy wait for Gerrard

DEFENSIVE ROCK . . . Athletic will not want to be without Anthony Gerrard for any length of time.

ATHLETIC are bracing themselves for news on key defender Anthony Gerrard’s knee injury.

The 29-year-old centre back hobbled off in pain at Wigan following an earlier collision, and didn’t play three days later at Blackpool. Neither will he play in the home game against Gillingham on Saturday.

There are fears the ex-Cardiff and Huddersfield defender could be out for some time, but Sheridan is hopeful his player will be back soon.

“We wait and see,” Sheridan said. “It is not too serious I don’t think. Whether it is a week or two or whatever, he’s in the hands of the physio.”

James Wilson and Timothee Dieng have yet to concede a goal as the centre-back partnership in Gerrard’s absence, while Sheridan’s options are also set to be expanded by the return to fitness of Brian Wilson.

With the recent signings of strike pair Aaron Amadi-Holloway and Curtis Main, Sheridan is nonetheless content with his squad with 17 games to go.

“It was a strong bench at Blackpool,” Sheridan added. “Connor Brown wasn’t even on it and Brian Wilson will be back soon, I feel I have a strong-enough squad. Hopefully whatever eleven I pick will get us the result we are after.”

Sheridan believes on-loan Doncaster striker Main will be an asset for the rest of the campaign.

“He works his socks off,” said the manager. “He has had a bit of a back problem and hasn’t played too much football, but once he gets more game time, you can see his energy and willingness.”