Ricketts out for the season

The full-back is expected to be out for around six months and is due to undergo an operation on Friday on the injury picked up in the midweek FA Cup win at Wigan.

The news is a further blow for manager Owen Coyle, who this week lost central defender Zat Knight for four to six weeks with an ankle ligament injury.

Coyle told the club`s official website: "The likelihood is he will be missing for about six months, which is a big blow for Sam first and foremost. He has been outstanding for us and our immediate thoughts go to him as we wish for a speedy recovery.

"It was very innocuous in terms that he sustained the injury by tracking the winger. He has put his foot down and stumbled so it is very unfortunate. With the speed the game is now played then these type of injuries can occur.

"Sam will get all the help from the club he requires but we will now have to get on with everything."

Source: PA

Source: PA