Bramble ready after Scharner injury
by Robin Hackett, 13 August 2008
Wigan centre-back Paul Scharner looks set to his side’s opening match at West Ham on Saturday after failing to recover from an ankle injury.
The former Austria international twisted ankle ligaments in the 6-0 friendly win over Barnsley at the end of July and has yet to return to full training.
However, while Wigan assistant boss Eric Black believes it is unlikely he will play, he is confident that Titus Bramble will prove an able deputy if needed.
"Unfortunately, Paul is still struggling and hasn't started full training yet,” he told the Wigan Evening Post.
“He did some straight-line running on Monday but, with an ankle injury, that's not too much of a problem to do – it’s once you start changing direction and turning that the tendons and ligaments take more pressure on them.
"I think it's touch and go with him, but we'll give Paul every chance to prove his fitness ahead of the game.
"If he doesn't make it, we've got Titus Bramble who came in and worked exceptionally hard in pre-season.
"Titus has shown without doubt he is a Premier League centre-back, and I'm sure the manager won't have any hesitation in throwing him in. He has played all of the friendlies and done well."