The Dubliner was one of 16 fit professionals at the club on Saturday as he lead the team out in the 0-0 draw at Stoke.
JP McGovern, Lee Bullen, Paul Heckingbottom, Drew Talbot, Barry Corr, Drissa Diallo, Graeme Lee, Graham Coughlan, Steve MacLean, Burton O'Brien, Craig Rocastle, Steve Adams and Adam Proudlock have all either missed a huge chunk of the pre-season or have long term injuries.
But Whelan believes it is better to be positive and not let the problems in the treatment room get to the rest of the squad.
He told Footymad: "I can’t remember seeing a team with so many injuries, especially in pre-season and there’s five or six lads out but in football you have your ups and downs and it’s all about how you deal with it.
"We have to work hard with what we’ve got and hopefully build from there but when the players all do come back I am sure there will be great competition for places."
Diallo and Coughlan could be in contention for tonight's clash against The Tigers - as could O'Brien although it is expected that a largely unchanged team will face Peter Taylor's men.