Latics have been dealt an injury blow after losing Lewis Alessandra with a torn calf muscle.

Manager Paul Dickov estimates the young striker will be on the sidelines for between three and five weeks.

Alessandra, usually a striker, has established a new and effective role in the team on the left side of midfield in the current campaign.

Dickov's sadness is tempered, however, by the fact that Chris Taylor is fit again and able to take over from Alessandra on the left.

He said: "It is a blow because Lewis has been a big player for us since we came in pre-season.

"We are lucky to have Chris Taylor to come into side and he will have benefited from playing around 70 minutes against Charlton.

"Chris did a lot of hard work for the team and he will be better fitness and confidence wise for that.

"Much as it is a disappointment to lose Lewis, it is a bonus to have Chris back.

"And if we have a fit Chris Taylor on fire, he is probably one of the best players in this division."