Brentford collected a point at Wigan Athletic on Saturday, but are set to lose defender James Tarkowski to suspension.

The former Oldham Athletic man collected a fifth yellow card as he tried to separate team-mate Tony Craig and Athletics' Ivan Ramis when they tangled in the second half.

Craig and Ramis went into the referee's book for the altercation and Tarkowski, who has been in fine form this term, followed them for getting involved and will subsequently sit out Tuesday's visit from Sheffield Wednesday.

But Warburton has backed Harlee Dean, who has not featured since a 4-0 defeat at Middlesbrough, to fill the void left by 21-year-old's absence. 

"I'm disappointed that two yellow cards were brandished. I'm not sure why," said the manager.

"Tony [Craig] was on the floor and it looked like their guy kicked him. As far as we saw it.

"I think Tarky [James Tarkowski] went to separate them, but they both got booked. But there's nothing we can do about it."

"We've got three centre halves in a position where it's very tough, very physical and very competitive.

"Harlee Dean is an outstanding pro who has worked very hard in training every day.

"If he wasn't disappointed at being dropped there would be a problem. But I have no doubts about the quality Harlee will show."

The Owls, a point and one place behind the Bees, arrive at Griffin Park on Tuesday on the back of a 3-0 home thrashing to Watford.

And Warburton is wary of the threat the visitors will pose.

"Sheffield Wednesday have made a very good start. They have a good manager," he added.

"They are hard to beat. We're well aware of the threat they'll pose on Tuesday.

"But we're at home in front of a packed Griffin Park. We'll look to impose ourselves as we have done this season."