Injuries mount for Warriors

O'Loughlin: Knee problem

It is a real blow to lose four players in the space of just over a week and this will now really stretch our resources

Brian Noble
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Wigan are counting the cost of their victory over Harlequins on Friday night after three key players picked up injuries in the 40-12 win.

Skipper Sean O'Loughlin suffered a knee problem in the game at the JJB Stadium and is expected to be out of action for six weeks.

Hooker Michael McIlorum is set to be out for a similar length of time having sustained medial ligament damage to his knee, while Harrison Hansen broke his hand in the Super League fixture.

To make matters even worse for Wigan Tim Smith has been told he needs surgery to repair a shoulder injury, ruling him out for the rest of the campaign.

Heading home

The stand-off will return to Australia to go under the knife having been forced out in the opening stages of Wigan's 36-28 victory over Hull KR on June 28.

"We are pretty busted at the moment," admitted Warriors coach Brian Noble.

"It is a real blow to lose four players in the space of just over a week and this will now really stretch our resources.

"Sean, Michael and Harrison have all been playing really well for us and will be a major loss.

"I am also hugely disappointed for Tim Smith, we had hoped we could have got him back playing towards the end of the season but further tests have showed he will need surgery. Everyone at the club wishes him well."

In response to the injuries the Warriors have recalled Darrell Goulding and Lee Mossop, who have been on loan at Salford and Huddersfield respectively.

Both players could play for the Cherry and Whites this Friday in the home fixture against Catalans Dragons.

"We will be recalling both players back to Wigan today; we are running out of bodies," added Noble. "Darrell and Lee will both be in contention for Friday's home game with Catalans Dragons."