Full-back Chris Makin has reached a critical stage in his recovery after his recent hip operation. Depending on his progress over the next week or so he could be well on his way to a return to action or face more surgery.
Boss Joe Royle told the club site: "We are looking at him making a significant step forward over the next four or five days.
"If that doesn't happen, the chances are he will have to seek a second or third opinion from specialists.
"That could mean further surgery and given the fact that we are now in February, any operation could mean he would be out for the season."
Royle has a significant number of injuries ahead of Saturday's match, with John McGreal and Fabian Wilnis the biggest doubts.
McGreal is still suffering from the calf problem which forced him to miss the trip to Coventry, while Wilnis has a 'frozen shoulder' as well as a groin injury.
Georges Santos was forced off at half-time at Coventry due to stud-marks on his shin, but is likely to be OK for the visit of Wigan on Saturday.
Midfielder Chris Bart-Williams is still feeling his back injury and won't train until Thursday. Town's physios are confident he will be available for the Latics game.
Tommy Miller was substituted halfway through the first half at Highfield Road due to a recurrence of a hip injury.