Latics sweat over duo

20 October 2009 13:06
Wigan are sweating over the fitness of Chris Kirkland and Paul Scharner ahead of this weekend's clash with Burnley. Kirkland dislocated a finger during last weekend's 1-1 draw with Manchester City but played on for the full 90 minutes after attempting to put the digit back in place, while Scharner has a hip problem. England international Kirkland is set to undergo a scan on his injury with Latics boss Roberto Martinez hopeful the problem is not too serious. "We'll be having all the scans and all the tests possible to find out the extent of the injury," Martinez told the Wigan Evening Post. "At the moment we feel it might only be a dislocated finger but we need to see exactly what the situation is and we'll find out more over the next 24 hours." However, both Martinez and Scharner are more hopeful over the Austria international's problem. "I picked up the injury the day before the game but it felt comfortable during the warm-up," said the 29-year-old Scharner. "During the game it tightened up again and in the end I couldn't continue. "We'll assess the injury, but hopefully I'll be okay for Saturday. I think I will be fine." Martinez believes the problem has be exacerbated by international duty which saw Scharner play back-to-back games for his country. "We'll assess him over the next 24 hours and we're hoping it is only swelling," added Martinez. "Obviously he's played three games in the space of week, and sometimes this is the kind of effect you get from travelling and playing international football. "Hopefully, there'll be some positive news for us."

Source: SKY_Sports