Latics leading goal scorer Pawel Abbott is in need of a hernia operation and could be out of action for some time. Manager Dave Penney said, "Pawel's injury is a worry and it is a case of how long he can play on for. It is a hernia and he needs an operation which means he will miss two or three weeks. Hopefully I can get one or two others back before he has to come out of the team." With Deane Smalley (damaged disc) and Lewis Alessandra (damaged ankle ligaments) both set to have surgery, they could be out for the rest of the year. This would leave Athletic seriously short on fire power with Keigan Parker and Ryan Brooke left as the only recognised senior strikers.