Wigan Athletic had an afternoon to forget on Saturday as the Latics fell to defeat against Leyton Orient.
Despite a positive summer window so far that has seen Wigan sign Paul Mullin on loan, while also standing firm on keeping Sam Tickle, Ryan Lowe’s side suffered a 2-0 loss in east London, with Steven Sessegnon’s own goal and red card summing up a calamitous afternoon for the Tics.
The trip to Brisbane Road felt off from the start after the visitors lost Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher’s son, James Carragher, to a knee injury five minutes into the clash.
Wigan's James Carragher reacts to match
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Calvin Ramsey and Max Power respond as James Carragher posts Wigan injury update
Carragher has been a key cog in Wigan’s side, making 48 senior appearances for them since returning from loan spells in 2024.
As such, the blow to the 22-year-old is only felt even more by the Tics.
After the Orient defeat, Wigan manager Lowe confirmed: “James has just got a swollen knee in there. We’ll address him and we’ll see where he is.”
The Malta International then took to Instagram this week to confirm he had undergone surgery, posting a picture of him in a hospital bed sticking his thumb up.
“Crazy 48 hours,” he wrote. “Pleased to have had the best surgeon sort me out and be back in no time.
“Thanks for all the messages.”
Carragher has had an outpouring of support from fans and players on his Instagram post of his injury update.
Former Liverpool defender Calvin Ramsay, who was in the same age group at the Reds’ AXA Training Centre, was among them.
Commenting on Carragher’s Instagram, he said: “Get well soon mate.”
Wigan teammate Charlie Wyke simply replied with a red heart to the post.
Meanwhile, Ex-Latics star Max Power, now at Bradford City, said: “Speedy recovery, mate.”
Netherlands v Malta - FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier
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Wigan face defensive challenges ahead of tough league run
Wigan’s defensive options have taken a hit since Carragher’s injury, with new signing Morgan Fox – who attracted plenty of Championship interest last season – not yet fit either.
However, this didn’t stop the Tics from keeping a clean sheet and advancing to the second round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday.
They beat Notts County 1-0 through newbie Mullin, who officially opened his Wigan account to add to his promising pre-season goal against Liverpool.
The side played a back three that featured Jensen Weir, Jason Kerr and Luke Robinson, who will be tested in the coming run of league fixtures.
Peterborough and Luton await before other tough clashes against Rotherham and Stockport in League One.
It’ll be a true test of Lowe’s managerial acumen, as he balances the early-season challenges with the need to hit the ground running.
Two wins from two is certainly a good start, though, and he will be aiming for more.