Roberto Martinez has confirmed Chris Kirkland will be in the Wigan squad to face Sunderland on Saturday.
Kirkland straight back in squad after hip problem
Roberto Martinez has confirmed goalkeeper Chris Kirkland will be in the Wigan squad to face Sunderland on Saturday.
The 29-year-old missed the Latics' surprise 1-0 win at Tottenham a fortnight ago with a hip problem but played in Wigan's two prior games, in which they lost both and conceded 10 goals.
Ali Al Habsi produced a stellar performance in his absence at White Hart Lane, but Kirkland is now fully fit and could face the Black Cats at the DW Stadium.
"Chris is 100%, he has trained really well and he is going to come straight into the squad," Martinez said.
"I am probably now in the best position since I arrived here in terms of goalkeeping options, and to have Ali performing in the manner he has and then having Chris fit, that is a very strong position to be in.
"Sometimes Chris has played through the pain barrier and he has done it for the football club.
"That will always be in my mind, so whether Chris is in a good or bad moment of form, he will always be an important player for Wigan Athletic."
