Dan Ward is facing an extended period on the sidelines after a scan on his calf revealed a minor muscle tear.

It had been hoped the midfielder would be able to return to training this week after his latest injury setback.

But interim boss Steve Thompson says Latics must tread carefully with him after he returned to action too soon following an early season hamstring injury.

"Wardy's had a scan and a little tear's shown up," Thompson explained.

"Hopefully it's a minor one. I think we rushed him back too early last time, so we've got to make sure when he come's back he's right.

"He's not had many muscle injuries so we're looking at ourselves with the rehab. Is it his boots? Is it the training pitch? Because he's never had these injuries before. And he's frustrated, he's desperate to get back in."

Dan Gardner is making progress after he suffered a hamstring strain in the win at Kidderminster, but is not yet ready for a recall and could also require a scan to assess the extend of the damage.

Meanwhile, Latics are looking at a loan move for Harrison McGahey to improve his match fitness after a year out with a back injury.

"Harrison's played two bounce games, we're looking to try to get him some proper matches, whether it's a month somewhere," Thompson explained.

"He's fit but not match fit so it's important that if he can't get the games (on loan) we get him up to speed here.

"He's been exceptional, training very hard but it's hard to replicate the games. But he's getting closer and closer and the good thing is he's not having any reaction with his back so that's positive news."