WANDERERS have been dealt a blow ahead of tonight's Capital One Cup clash against Burton Albion after skipper Darren Pratley was ruled out with an ankle injury.

Pratley picked up the injury early in Saturday's draw against Derby but battled on to put in a fine display.

However scans have since revealed ligament damage but boss Neil Lennon hopes it will only been a short-term lay-off for the 30-year-old.

The Northern Irishman told The Bolton News: "Darren Pratley went in for a tackle very early on – I think it was the incident when Bryson got injured for Derby.

"He felt it but had it strapped up at half time and played on which is exactly what I want.

"He was hurt but played through the pain barrier.

"He has had a scan and unfortunately there is a bit of ligament damage there which may keep him out for a week or two.

"Hopefully it’s nothing more serious but he will see a specialist.

"We are pretty confident there is no surgery required.

"It will just be a question of rehabilitation on that.

"But he has shown the attitude that I want.

"He has maybe sacrificed himself for a week or two but he played through the pain and played very well."

Pratley will join suspended Jay Spearing on the sidelines at the Macron Stadium tonight, meaning enforced changes for Lennon after Saturday's positive performance.

It could open the way for Josh Vela, Mark Davies or Tom Walker to return to the line-up.

But the manager does not want to make wholesale switches to his side.

He added: "Obviously we have enforced changes but I don’t want to make too many – I have to respect the opposition.

"Tom Walker trained most of last week and looked good.

"I just wanted to go with experience at the weekend.

"We had a strong bench as well so Tom was unfortunate to miss out but he will come into our thoughts for tonight.

"Derik and Wheater are still about a week away, while Tim Ream will be a doubt for the weekend.

"It is no ordinary dead leg.

"Speaking to Steve Megson (physio), he said it’s probably the worst one he has seen in his career.

"The muscle damage and bleeding was quite intense.

"He’s lucky there was no calcification because with the thigh it can be career-threatening.

"It is just a case of healing with time."