Wigan Athletic Football Club

• Nickname:Latics
• Founded:1932
• Manager:Roberto Martinez

• Ground:JJB Stadium
• Capacity:25000

Hutchings rules out Heskey

19 Oct 2007 - 14:56:57

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Wigan Athletic manager Chris Hutchings believes that striker Emile Heskey will not be fit for England's final Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia next month.

The 29-year-old impressed for his country against Israel and Russia after securing a return to the international arena, but then missed the clashes with Estonia and Russia after suffering a broken metatarsal against Fulham.

Hutchings said: "Emile's had his boot off and his foot has healed okay, but he needs to rebuild the strength in his leg.

"We've got to see what the medical staff say and how he goes with the rehab, but I think the Croatia game may come too early.

"He needs to be match-fit too. It may be three or four weeks before he's playing again, but he then has to regain match-fitness."

Heskey had not featured for England since Euro 2004 before his recent outings, but won praise for his efforts in leading the line alongside Michael Owen.