Wigan Athletic Football Club News

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

• Ground:JJB Stadium
• Capacity:25,000

Latics hopeful on Kirkland

08 Feb 2007 - 10:03:01

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Wigan Athletic remain hopeful that Chris Kirkland will be fit to face Arsenal on Sunday despite the goalkeeper pulling out of the England squad to face Spain in midweek.

Kirkland missed the Old Trafford friendly with a shoulder injury, but physio Alan Tomlinson believes the former Coventry City and Liverpool keeper could still feature in a vital game for the Latics as they look to pull away from the drop zone.

"It was a precaution to pull him out of the England squad. We felt that the shoulder could be aggravated if Chris had done an intensive week's training with England, and possibly played a part in the game, when what he needed this week was rest," he told the club's official website.

"He has received treatment from us and been doing light training only, just to maintain fitness.

"But he will be fine to resume full training with the ball on Friday with goalkeeping coach Gary Walsh and the rest of the squad, with a view to playing on Sunday at Arsenal."

Kirkland has already made one remarkable recovery this season having suffered a head injury against Middlesbrough only to be passed fit to play against Arsenal four days later.