Wigan boss Roberto Martinez is hoping to have Emmerson Boyce and Hendry Thomas available on Wednesday.
Latics could welcome back Boyce and Thomas against Pompey
Wigan boss Roberto Martinez is hoping to have Emmerson Boyce and Hendry Thomas available on Wednesday.
The Latics head into a midweek showdown with relegated FA Cup finalists Portsmouth having enjoyed a rare break last weekend.
Martinez hopes the time spent out of action will have given some of his injured stars a chance to recover.
Boyce, who has missed the club's last three games, and Thomas, who sat out the 2-1 defeat at Fulham last time out, are among those looking to force their way back into contention.
Gary Caldwell will miss out against Pompey as he is still suspended, but Martinez is keen to get as many bodies back on board as possible as Wigan battle to preserve their Premier League status.
Improvement
"A 10-day break gives you a great chance to recover," Martinez told the
Wigan Evening Post.
"We just hope that as every day goes by, there is a big improvement, and we hope they will be available for Wednesday.
"Obviously Gary will still be sidelined, but it's important that in the last few games we get as many bodies back into the camp."
Martinez, whose side currently sit four points above the drop zone with five games remaining, believes the return of Boyce will be 'vital' as he will help to plug a leaky defence.
"Everything started in the game against Liverpool," Martinez said.
Experience
"His problem is his lower back and it's a difficult area to treat because it's quite big.
"After that he got a stiff neck, but I don't think he is too far away from being fit very soon.
"Emmerson is not the type of player who misses out on much. I don't just mean games - he doesn't miss many training sessions either.
"He is a great example for all the kids and youngsters at the club.
"His experience is going to be vital - and we all want him to be back as soon as possible."
