A SERIOUS ankle injury sustained by Tom Thorpe could force Phil Parkinson to put plans to sign Peter Odemwingie on hold.

Wanderers were last night contemplating their next move after scans revealed damage sustained by on-loan midfielder Thorpe in the midweek win over Millwall was worse than first feared.

It is understood the Rotherham United man could be sidelined for several weeks, leaving the Whites short on options in midfield.

Parkinson confirmed that he has brought in ex-Stoke City and West Brom striker Odemwingie to train with the first team this weekend.

But the manager’s hand may yet be forced into recruiting a direct replacement for Thorpe rather than supplementing his attack.

Darren Pratley remains on course for a December return but with Mark Davies unable to play again this season because of a ruptured cruciate ligament – the short-term option may be to scour the free agent market for a midfielder.

Defender Lewis Buxton has also made good progress on his return from injury and Max Clayton is also back in full training, looking to break into the first team reckoning.

Loan striker Keshi Anderson has also had to wait patiently for another opportunity – but Parkinson is keen to examine all his options before making a final decision.

Some news sources claimed a short-term contract has already been agreed with 35-year-old Odemwingie but, speaking to The Bolton News, the Wanderers boss insisted discussions had not gone that far.

“At the moment, we have brought Peter in to train with us and we’ll take it from there,” he said.

Thorpe’s injury may mean he does not play again for Wanderers, with his loan deal due to be reviewed in January.

The Whites are expected to confirm the exact details of his injury this morning.

Conor Wilkinson has also returned to Lostock for medical treatment after injuring his knee at Chesterfield.

Meanwhile, details of Wanderers’ November 5 FA Cup meeting with Grimsby Town have been announced, with tickets at £12 for adults and £5 for concessions. Only lower tiers of the Macron will be open. Season ticket holders can purchase their ticket for £10 if bought in advance.