Latics boosted by Zaki return

Striker in line to face Arsenal after hamstring injury

Last updated: 5th December 2008

Latics boosted by Zaki return

Zaki: Set to face Arsenal

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Steve Bruce is looking forward to having Amr Zaki back for Wigan Athletic's trip to Arsenal on Saturday.

Zaki has missed the Latics' last three games due to a hamstring injury, but is fit for the Premier League clash at Emirates Stadium.

The Egyptian's last appearance was the Carling Cup defeat by Arsenal and Bruce admits his top scorer has taken time to recover from his injury.

"It has taken Zaki a little while to get over the injury but there again it was a hamstring," said Bruce.

"We have nursed him through it so he should be OK for the game on Saturday."

The 25-year-old has been a revelation after arriving in July on a year-long loan deal from El Zamalek, scoring nine goals in 15 games.

Bruce is hoping to hang on to Zaki, and strike partner Emile Heskey, but the Latics boss accepts he has a big challenge fending off the interest of other clubs.

Challenge

"We only have a small squad, but we have a bit of quality in there," said the Wigan boss.

"My problem is trying to keep hold of the ones I've got. That is going to be my biggest challenge.

"We have people here who are coveted by a lot of teams. We have some good players.

"We are just starting to go along quite nicely. You want to add to the squad rather than dismantle it."