A Joe Willis goal proved only a consolation as Walsall’s Under-18s fell to a 4-1 defeat at home to Wigan.
Mwiya Malumo put the Latics ahead on 19 minutes and Charlie Jolley scored a quick-fire double to make it 3-0 shortly after the hour.
Willis pulled one back 15 minutes from time, but Mitchell Culshaw restored the visitors’ three-goal advantage two minutes later.
“It’s another disappointing result for us,” said Academy Manager Graham Biggs.
“We finished the game with two trialists, two Under-16s, an Under-15 and with 10 men due to a fatigue-related injury.
“I am not using this as an excuse but they are facts. I cannot fault any of the players’ effort or endeavour but we are certainly not getting the rub of the green at the moment.
“During the game, I used four out of the five outfield substitutes, but two of the outfield players had to come off with injuries.
“One had to go to hospital for precautionary checks and the other needed a review with their GP due to ongoing health issues.
“At this moment, we have seven out of 19 scholars unable to play due to injuries, as well as Mitch Candlin training with the first team.
“All the injuries are down to contact and unfortunately these types of injuries cannot be prevented.
“That is despite all the injury prevention work that the players partake in, in addition to the monitoring of players through physical testing and load management.
“All we can do now, as a group, is stick together, work hard throughout the week and be prepared for the long trip away to Carlisle next Saturday.”