Wigan boss Roberto Martinez admits he is unsure if Charles N'Zogbia will be fit to play against Burnley.
Boss won't risk in-form winger if not fully fit
Wigan boss Roberto Martinez admits he is unsure if Charles N'Zogbia will be fit to play against Burnley on Saturday.
The in-form winger limped off in the Latics' 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa on Tuesday but Martinez will not know if he can make the weekend's crucial encounter with the Clarets until Friday afternoon.
N'Zogbia has been a highlight in an otherwise inconsistent season for Wigan, and Martinez insists he will not risk playing his star man unless he can prove his full fitness.
"It was bad news he came off against Villa as he is not the sort of player who picks up little niggles or small injuries," said Martinez.
"He could not train today and at the moment he is 50-50 to make the game. He has a knock in his left hip that stops him from having free mobility.
"Certain injuries you can give it until the very last minute but as it is his hip we will know after training tomorrow if he will be fit to play.
"Physically you need to be perfect for the Premier League. Every player needs to be 100%. If they are not it would be unfair on the player and the team.
"If we are going to take a gamble on someone who is not fully fit and not ready maybe we will lose him for a longer period.
Mistake
"Charles needs to be himself and enjoy his football, otherwise it would be a big mistake. It is important we have all the big performers ready for the last games of the season."
The Frenchman has scored four goals in his first full season with the Latics since joining from Newcastle on deadline day of the January transfer window in 2009.
After living in the country for over five years, N'Zogbia has even been linked with a change of allegiance to play for England, despite being capped at Under 21 level for France.
Martinez recognises the 23-year-old has a lot of potential and believes that, although playing the best football of his career, the youngster can continue to improve.
"I think it has been the best most moment of his career," Martinez added. "We all know Charles can go to another level.
"He is an exciting player, the sort of player fans pay money to watch. I think the consistency he has shown in his play is probably the difference from other campaigns."
