Wigan Warriors back rower Junior Nsemba has suffered a set-back in his recovery, and is set for a longer spell on the sidelines.
The star was injured in the Magic Weekend win over St Helens, who are also this week’s opponents at the Brick Community Stadium.
Initially, the England international was set to be out for four weeks, but he will now face at least another five weeks out as he continues to deal with the hamstring issue.
Warriors boss Matt Peet confirmed the news today, saying: “Junior’s had a setback, it’s going to be a while yet. It will probably be at least five weeks from now. We rescanned it and it’s not where it needed to be.”
On a more positive note, Liam Marshall, Bevan French and Noah Hodkinson could all make their returns. Marshall has been out for 12 weeks, whilst French suffered another hamstring issue after the win at Hull FC.
Hodkinson fractured his skull in that game against the Black and Whites, but Peet said at the time the injury sounds worse than it was.
Providing an update on further players in the squad, the boss added: “Kian [McDermott]Â got suspended, which is a shame for him. [We] understand it, but for him as a young player, he was really establishing himself in the team.
“He’s been valuable so to lose him is a shame. Sam Walters has served his ban now.”
The likes of Jack Farrimond, Oliver Wilson and skipper Liam Farrell all remain sidelined through injury, whilst winger Abbas Miski won’t play Super League this season due to salary cap restrictions.
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Wigan Warriors boss previews St Helens clash
Looking ahead to their fourth meeting of the year with St Helens, Peet said: Â “There’s no doubt they’ve had a very tough time of injuries, but the spine is still very impressive.
“I still see Jack Welsby as one of the premier players in the competition. Tristan Sailor has probably been St. Helens’ Player of the Year, Jackson Hastings is right up there with assists, and we know how much influence he can have on a game, and Harry Robertson is last year’s Super League Young Player of the Year.
“We’re aware players are missing, but the lads who have come in have committed to the cause. All our games against St Helens have been tough, and those players still have a lot of danger for us to contend with.”
Commenting on the three meetings between the two sides already this year, he added: “They were all very tough games.
“[There were ] periods where we’re on the back foot and needing to come up with big plays to come out the other side of that.
“Quite often the scoreboard goes one way or the other, but contests have been pretty evenly matched. Very physical, very intense, and I think that’s what everyone knows we’re going to get come Friday night.”
