DAVID Wheater’s latest injury blow is not as serious as first feared, The Bolton News understands.

The big defender has not featured since March because of a hamstring problem and his comeback at Southport on Saturday lasted just 38 minutes – raising fears he could be sidelined again.

But the injury which forced him off the field at the Merseyrail Community Stadium is a calf strain, and should only keep him out of action for up to 10 days.

Wheater has not undergone a full pre-season in four years and has suffered a number of knee and hamstring problems, which have hampered his progress.

Neil Lennon is hoping the centre-half can overcome his fitness issues to become a key player this season, and left him behind for extra rehab during the pre-season tour of Austria.

He should miss the opening game of the season against Derby and the Capital One Cup tie with Burton Albion – but stands an outside chance of facing his former club Middlesbrough.