WARRINGTON Wolves are waiting on clearance to add one more player to their squad for Wednesday's clash with Wigan Warriors.
However, that player will not be George Williams.
The Wire named only 20 players in their squad for Wednesday's game at The Halliwell Jones Stadium - their first in over three weeks after their last two fixtures were postponed due to a Covid outbreak.
> Click here to see the full Warrington Wolves squad to face Wigan Warriors
Head coach Steve Price says he intends to use the final spot in the squad but that it will not be taken by England and Great Britain international half-back Williams.
George Williams is not yet fit to make his debut. Picture by Warrington Wolves
Price says the former Wigan man has "a few more boxes to tick" before making his debut but said he could "come into consideration" for Sunday's trip to Leeds Rhinos.
"We’re still waiting on one more player," Price said.
"We need to wait for the authorities to get back to us to see if it’s a go or not. At the moment, there’s 20 there.
"George isn’t one of them – he won’t come into consideration. He’s still got a bit more work to do.
"The shutdown has played a part. It’s important that when we put people on the pitch, they’re fit and can sustain a level of performance which is acceptable at our club.
"He’s not really done much since he arrived so he’s got a few more boxes to tick."
There is better news on Matty Ashton, who has returned to full training after missing the past three months with an ankle ligament injury.
Matty Ashton has not played since suffering ankle ligament damage against Hull KR in May. Picture by Mike Boden
Price says the speedster is "very close" to a first-team comeback, even going as far as saying a return for the Leeds game is "a possibility."
The Wire boss also gave an update on scrum-half Gareth Widdop, who is sidelined with an ankle injury of his own.
"Matty’s coming along really well and is getting very close. He trained with the boys today," he said.
"Gareth’s still in rehab but we’re very pleased with how he’s going.
"He’s not too far away – I can’t give you an exact date but he won’t be too long.
"Matty is a possibility for Leeds. He’s still got a few hurdles to jump over in the next couple of days."
Gareth Widdop is recovering from an ankle injury picked up against Leigh last month. Picture by Mike Boden
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