The former Hamilton midfielder was instrumental in the success of the Latics in avoiding relegation last season with a host of impressive displays at the season's climax.
However McArthur has been struggling with a back injury over the summer and is likely to miss the big kick off.
Speaking about the injury to the Wigan Evening Post, manager Roberto Martinez said: “James is progressing well, but slowly. The back is something that’s been bothering him for a while, and when we came back from Austria he felt it a bit more.
"It’s one of those injuries that doesn’t stop you from training, but when you do work hard it has a delayed reaction – and those are always the most frustrating.
“You probably feel you can get away with doing little bits of training, and knowing James he is the kind of person who wants to do as much as he can.
“We need to make sure he continues to get the right recovery and the right treatment, and we’ll take it day by day.”
Source: FOOTYMAD
