Ryan Brooke has received a massive boost as he bids to recover from a serious ankle ligament injury.

Latics are hopeful the young striker may not need surgery as was initially feared after he sustained the injury in the final pre-season friendly against Preston.

Physio Marc Czuczman reports that Brooke's ankle has improved and an operation may not be necessary.

He said: "Ryan is due to have an injection into the ligament next week aimed at stabilising his ankle.

"If that is successful, there will be no need to go down the surgery route which could potentially halve the length of time he will be out."

Were Brooke to have surgery, he could be out for up to six months while Latics hope he may be back in action in between 10/12 weeks.

Goalkeeper Greg Fleming has also received cheer as he also doesn't need knee surgery after being injured in the reserve-team friendly at Rhyl after making a block tackle.

Fleming has sustained a tear to his medial ligament, but again no surgery is required.

It is hoped Fleming will be back in action in around 12 weeks as young pro Josh Ollerenshaw continues to provide cover for No 1 Dean Brill.