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Shaun Maloney eases nerves with update on Charlie Hughes while Wigan Athletic boss reveals fresh injury

Wigan Athletic were without a number of their senior players for Friday’s pre-season fixture against National League North side Chorley.

Of those, Charlie Hughes’ absence had got the supporters worried ahead of kick-off. The talented youngster was however present at Victory Park, with first-team manager Shaun Maloney hopeful of giving the 20-year-old minutes on Saturday against AFC Fylde.

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“Josh Stones had a bit of tightness from the other day, he’ll be back in training early next week,” Maloney explained post-match.

“Joe might be slightly longer, he picked up something against Accrington. He might be three or four weeks.”

On the potential of seeing Hughes in action, Maloney continued: “Hopefully tomorrow, he should be with the rest of them.” Latics played in a goalless draw against Chorley, with a youthful side named for the club’s second pre-season fixture.

And Maloney was pleased with what he saw from a handful of the club’s Under-18s and Under-21s representatives, while new signing Will Aimson and Scotsman Jason Kerr made their first pre-season appearances

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“I really wanted this fixture, I wanted to bring it back for us, so I appreciate Chorley organising it with us,” Maloney said.

“With the young boys, it was amazing to have that many Under-21s and Under-18s in the game.

REPORT: Wigan Athletic play in goalless draw against National League North side Chorley

New signing Will Aimson and Scotsman KerJason r made their first pre-season appearances at Victory Park, while Latics were without the likes of Sam Tickle, Josh Stones, Sean Clare and Charlie Hughes, with another friendly in less than 24 hours against AFC Fylde.

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However, according to Pete O’Rourke he is now set to make the move to League One with Wigan Athletic. Danish side Randers had also agreed a fee, however the player reportedly favours a move to the third tier.

Fleetwood Town saw their stay in League One ended last season with a relegation to the fourth tier. They have added six players to their squad with Matty Virtue from Blackpool arguably being one of the stand out additions. Alongside the former Lincoln City man is Zach Medley, MacKenzie Hunt, Luke Hewitson, Elliott Bonds and James Bolton.