Injury Not As Bad As First Thought

Stiliyan Petrov has admitted that he 'should' be back in time for the start of the season despite dislocating his shoulder against Atlante.

After flying back to England, the player underwent the usual scans and whilst a return in time for Wigan isn't guaranteed, it is said to be looking hopeful.

Quotes carried in the Daily Mail suggest Petrov is not too worried and hasn't suffered much in the way of further complications:

'I've landed awkwardly on my shoulder and it's just come out. It's especially frustrating as it's pre-season but that's the way it goes.

'I just have to accept it. It's part of the game. We're hoping that it will only be a few weeks before I can start training again.

'There's no swelling there. It's just come out and popped in. You know with shoulders sometimes a lot of players can pop them and be in a lot of pain and then a few weeks later it's fine and you can play again.'

There are more quotes carried elsewhere, but the only remaining salient point is Petrov admits to having a brief chat with Curtis Davies over his shoulder experience - if you remember he popped his against Everton last season and I think probably only missed one match - and it seems that has helped put his mind at ease.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.