Wigan’s Ryan Taylor is set to be sidelined for a couple of weeks with a rib injury.

Taylor sustained the knock in the defeat to Sunderland in which he was subbed just before the hour mark. According to Bruce, it could keep him out for around a fortnight.

“It looks like the muscle has come away from the bone in his ribs so obviously he is still very sore. The injury will repair itself, it just needs time”, remarked the Wigan boss.

“I would expect to be without Taylor for at least another couple of weeks.”

Taylor has been deployed on the left of midfield for Wigan since his return to the side. Classed as a defender in fantasy games, that makes him a prime target. In addition Taylor’s set piece delivery has been integral to Wigan’s attacking plays. His absence is a blow to Bruce and fantasy managers alike.

Kevin Kilbane is set to move to left midfield against Derby at the weekend with Bruce likely to hand new signing Edman a start at left-back.