Oldham fans stunned as club announce David Wheater has not been playing after injuring himself ‘lifting his DOG’

OLDHAM have announced David Wheater has been out of the side after injuring his back while lifting his DOG.

The 33-year-old - who will become a free agent at the end of the season - is yet to feature for the League Two side this campaign.

There has been some uncertainty over why he's been omitted, with the club previously suggesting the ex-Bolton man was no longer part of the first team plans.

It was rumoured there was a fall-out over a proposed pay-cut in the summer.

But the club have now provided an extraordinary update on his fitness, issuing explaining why Wheater has been out of the side.

They said: "The club is aware that the player has publicly announced that he wishes to play for Oldham Athletic and in that respect the club needs to make it known the reasons why this has not been possible.

"1. David was unable to train due to testing positive with Covid-19 in early September prior to the EFL season commencing and was therefore in isolation for a period of 10 days.

"2. On returning after the illness, he was selected to play in a game during which he came into collision with a team-mate and sustained a concussive head injury requiring him to rest from training or playing for a minimum of two weeks followed by a graded return to training.

"3. After the initial period of recovery the player reported a back injury which he stated he had sustained when ‘lifting his dog’.

"He is still currently under treatment by the medical team for this injury."

Wheater was quick to message the club on Twitter that he will be available soon, as he said: "Sounds like I'm free to play then cos (sic) I'll be fit in a few days."

Fans were left stunned that Wheater has been out of action after lifting his dog, as they flooded social media with a number of memes.

One fan commented: "David Wheater's dog has blood on its paws."

Another tweeted: "Am I the only person who is curious as to what breed of dog he has? Need to know what to avoid when dog-hunting!"

A third added: "This might be one of the greatest statements we've ever released. Brilliant stuff.

"I mean it's full of lies and utter bull****, not to mention you forgot about your own statement saying he was banished but fair play, I enjoyed this."

Meanwhile one stated: "How big is this dog lads?"

One then messaged: ";The dog must be massive #lies."