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Latics star in fitness battle
Wigan Athletic, 15:08, December 9, 2009
Goalkeeper Chris Kirkland will be given the maximum time possible to declare himself fit for Saturday's game at Stoke.
Kirkland is a major injury doubt after being forced to come off in the first half of last weekend's home defeat to Birmingham following the recurrence of a back problem.
The goalkeeper has spent this week being assessed and treated by the Latics' medical staff but boss Roberto Martinez is desperate for him to play if at all possible and will delay naming his team until the last moment in the hope that he will recover in time.
Martinez told the Evening Post: "He picked up the injury in the act of kicking the ball, and he felt it straight away. Probably him knowing himself so well ensured he came off at the right time.
"We'll just have to see. Normally these things take a little bit of time, but you can never rule Chris out.
"I never like to make a definite call early in the week. What we have to do is not put any added pressure on Chris, let him recover naturally and see what happens.
"We will keep an eye on him over the next few days, and we should know soon exactly how long he will be out for.
"It's frustrating for Chris, it's for us, but we will try to help Chris and make sure he's back on the field as soon as possible."
