Wigan Athletic injury and suspension news for Huddersfield Town clash

Wigan Athletic's relegation battle intensifies with a key away match against second-placed Huddersfield Town on Saturday. The Latics, who sit bottom of League One with just seven points from ten games, must handle significant squad issues for the 12:30pm kick-off at the John Smith's Stadium.

Ryan Ledson is suspended for three matches after being charged with misconduct by the FA. The midfielder was sanctioned for using abusive or insulting words towards a match official in the tunnel area during and after the recent Yorkshire derby against Sheffield Wednesday. He has also been fined £7,000.

Key players sidelined by suspensions and injuries

Striker Bojan Radulovic will miss the next couple of weeks with a minor hamstring problem. The forward sat out the midweek game against Peterborough United as a precaution after feeling the issue, and further investigation confirmed the strain. Manager Martin Drury said the issue is not a major one but the club must be mindful of it.

Defender Radinio Balker is back in contention after missing the last two matches with a hamstring injury sustained against Sheffield Wednesday. Drury confirmed Balker is fit and wants to play but is probably not quite ready to start again, making him a likely option from the bench.

Squad depth tested by injury list

The injury concerns extend beyond this weekend. Marcus McGuane is ruled out for most, if not all, of the season with a ruptured ACL. Defenders Jack Whatmough and Murray Wallace are not expected back until around December, testing the squad's depth during a busy period.

There is some positive news as David Kasumu has returned to full training after his own injury absence. Drury said the midfielder is back fit but will need to be managed and integrated back into the team carefully.

Recent form and statistical context

Wigan's form has been inconsistent, with two wins and three defeats in their last five games, a sequence reflected in their standings position. They have scored only seven league goals all season, the lowest tally in the division, while conceding 15. Their most recent result was a 2-1 defeat away to Oxford United last Tuesday, with Christian Saydee scoring their consolation goal.

This match begins a run of three games in a week for Gary Caldwell's side, a schedule that will heavily test their depleted resources. After facing Huddersfield, Wigan's next challenge is detailed on our fixtures page. The club sits 15 points behind leaders Stockport County and desperately needs to start picking up points to climb away from the foot of the table. Wigan Athletic visit the John Smith's Stadium this Saturday looking to upset the promotion-chasing Terriers.

Read the full report at weareterriers.com