CONCERN has mounted for David Wheater after he was struck down by a back injury on the eve of Saturday’s 2-0 win over Millwall.

The centre-half appeared to have overcome the back and hamstring issues which had dogged him in the past and has been among the Whites’ most consistent performers this season.

But Phil Parkinson confirmed Wheater will be sidelined – at least in the short-term – after suffering an unfortunate relapse in training.

“We don’t know how long it will be yet,” the manager said. “It was a frustrating day on Friday because the bad weather meant we walked through the set plays and organisation against Millwall on the Astro Turf and just at the end he struck one ball as he was walking off the pitch and felt some pain in his back. Over the next hour his whole back had seized up and by the time he left the training ground he was in absolute agony.

“Obviously it’s a concern. He’s been a big character for us and hopefully we’ll get him back sooner rather than later.”

Liam Trotter also picked up his fifth booking of the season against the Lions, which means he will miss tomorrow night’s visit of Coventry City.

Parkinson has ensured he is up to speed on his opponents, who lost 4-1 at Oxford at the weekend.

“I saw them Tuesday and last Saturday and Tim Breacker (Wanderers’ chief scout) has been there today – they have some good players and when you look at their squad and the bench it’s a bit of a wonder why they find themselves in a difficult start to the season.We’ll show them the utmost respect.”