Wigan Athletic manager Gary Caldwell confirmed the current injury list on July 28, 2026, highlighting concerns over Jon Mellish, Chris Sze, Ryan Trevitt and Akeel Higgins as the Latics prepare for their Carabao Cup first‑round tie at Barnsley.
What injuries were reported?
Caldwell explained that Chris Sze left the Grimsby Town friendly after a strange leg swelling, which he described as a "bite" rather than a true injury. Jon Mellish suffered a lower‑leg knock in the same match and will undergo further assessment. Both players are expected to recover, but the manager said Mellish’s situation is "more worrying."
How are Trevitt and Higgins faring?
Ryan Trevitt, who signed a two‑year deal after his loan spell, remains in rehab from a previous injury and is still a number of weeks away from full training. Akeel Higgins missed both pre‑season games with a minor groin strain and is projected to be sidelined for about a week to ten days before returning to straight‑line running.
Why does this matter for Wigan Athletic?
With the club sitting 16th in League One after the 2025 season (56 points, 14‑14‑18 record, recent form LLDWW) and a goal difference of –9 (49 scored, 58 conceded), squad depth is vital. The injuries to midfielders Mellish and Sze could limit tactical options, while Trevitt’s delayed return hampers the team’s long‑term planning. Higgins’ short‑term absence is less impactful but still reduces options on the wing.
What’s next for the Latics?
Caldwell confirmed that the first competitive match of the new campaign is the Carabao Cup fixture at Barnsley on Saturday. He hopes the injured players will be fit enough to feature, but the manager emphasized that the squad will need to adapt if any of the four remain unavailable. The focus now shifts to integrating recovered players and maintaining momentum after a mixed pre‑season.
Current context
The Latics finished the 2025 campaign in 16th place in League One, earning 56 points from 46 games, with a recent form of LLDWW. They scored 49 goals while conceding 58, sitting 47 points behind leaders Lincoln. These figures underline the importance of a healthy squad as the club aims to improve its standing in the upcoming season.
