Latics boss Lee Johnson has expressed his disappointment after tonight's fixture with Barnsley had to be postponed.
Athletic were set to face the Tykes tonight in Sky Bet League One with a chance of moving into the play-off positions but the game was postponed due to the safety of the players this morning.
Speaking about the decision, Johnson said: "I'm disappointed because we were desperate to play the game and continue the good performance we had against Crewe Alexandra and add the sparkle in front of goal but for whatever reason they have called it off.
"It now allows us an opportunity to assess the squad ahead of the New Year so we have to take the positives out of the situation.
"We are only three points outside of the play off places and we can do what needs to be done now. We have been fantastic for the first half of the season so we will look to kick on in the New Year."
Latics are now without a game until January 10 as Doncaster Rovers are the visitors to SportsDirect.com Park and the gaffer believes that will help his players.
"We will have to individualise people's training schedule. George Elokobi will need a mini pre-season because he has only just come back from injury and Liam Kelly can be stretched a bit more.
"It also gives a couple of players a rest to recover and kick on next year. Mike Jones and Joseph Mills have been struggling a bit recently with tendentious so it gives them a chance to rest.
"Amari Morgan-Smith could do with a mini pre-season so it's all about individualising what certain players need to do.
"We have a small squad as it is so I don't plan on organising any other games in the meantime. I want to get them physically and mentally fit so we can push on in the New Year."