Caldwell weighs up his options
Caldwell is pondering his options as he tries to arrest a slump of four successive defeats that’s seen Latics drop to second-bottom of the Championship.
And he could be without several of his first-choice side as injuries begin to bite for the first time this season.
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Hide AdNick Powell missed the midweek trip to Norwich with a groin problem and looks unlikely to return.
Captain Craig Morgan is also out with the hamstring injury that’s kept him out since the international break.
David Perkins is also nursing a hamstring problem that’s caused him to miss the last four, while Reece Burke was cut down by a niggle in the same area at Norwich on Tuesday night.
“Perks might be close, Morgs maybe not, but Reece felt his hamstring at Norwich so we’ll have to have a look at him as well,” assessed Caldwell, who is already without long-term absentees Reece James (ankle), Andy Kellett (knee), Kyle Knoyle (elbow) and Donervon Daniels (knee).
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Hide AdBetter news for a first 90 minutes of the season for Jordi Gomez at Carrow Road, the Spaniard capping a decent run-out with a cracking goal in the final quarter that threatened to help Latics back into the game.
“I thought he was excellent,” Caldwell enthused.
“I wanted the control and composure I know he brings, because I have played with him.
“And I thought he brought that in abundance.
“When he got his opportunity, there was a pass on, but he has the quality to score from anywhere.
“Not just him, though - everyone can be proud of what they did at Norwich.”
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Hide AdGomez almost found a late leveller for the visitors, only for a wicked free-kick to find the side-netting rather than the back of the net.
“I thought it was in,” added Caldwell.
“You saw the net ripple, and I knew he had that ability, near side, when the goalie is obviously thinking it will be a right-footer.
“We had numerous chances in that second half to score, but it just wouldn’t fall for us.”