Mellor returns to Reds for treatment

Wigan have sent on-loan striker Neil Mellor back to Liverpool in an effort to find a solution to his troublesome knee problem.

The 23-year-old has been restricted to just five appearances for the Latics since joining them during the January transfer window and has not played at all since the draw at local rivals Bolton on February 4.

After failing to recover from the swollen knee which has kept Mellor on the sidelines since then he has now returned to Merseyside, although it is hoped the forward – who scored against Middlesbrough on his Wigan debut – will return to the JJB Stadium before the season reaches its conclusion.