Youngster Deane Smalley is back in the treatment room this morning after being substituted during the first half of last night's defeat to Cheltenham Town.

The 20-year-old had passed a fitness test in the hours leading up to the game but was unlucky enough to receive a blow to the exact same area during the game.

Now the work begins again as Smalley battles for fitness ahead of Saturday's trip to Roots Hall to take on Southend United.

Physio Marc Czuczman explained: "Deane went into a challenge during the Northampton game, and when he turned away he took a knee or elbow to his side.

"We did lots of treatment at the club and in the pool on Sunday and Monday, and then did a full treatment session and functional test yesterday.

"Everything was fine leading up to the game but Deane got a kick in the same area when he was on the floor and as a result extreme movements were painful.

"I have reassessed Deane this morning and the damage isn't too bad.  He is already straight into the treatment this morning ahead of Saturday's game."

Meanwhile Latics' medical staff are also continuing to treat Danny Whitaker's ankle problem, which has caused him to miss the last two games.

But there is better news concerning young defender Paul Black, who is currently on loan to Barrow.  He is set to return to training this week.