Last Updated: Thu, 21 Feb 2013 14:51
Emmerson Boyce and Antolin Alcaraz could both return from injury in Wigan's Premier League clash against Reading this weekend.
Roberto Martinez will assess the fitness of the defensive pair but they are nearing a return after spells on the sidelines.
Boyce has been absent since Latics met Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium last month, whilst Alcaraz has been missing since the team's Capital One Cup victory over Nottingham Forest back in August.
Martinez says the Latics squad is now looking as fit and healthy as ever, although Albert Crusat, Ben Watson and Ryo Miyaichi are not as close.
"For the first time in a while we've got a very healthy amount of players competing for places in the team," said Martinez.
"Emmerson Boyce and Antolin Alcaraz have joined the rest of the squad this week and are very close to full fitness.
"Today (Thursday) is a very important day for them, when we can see how they've reacted to the work this week. It's been a hard week for them and depending on their progress in the next 48 hours we'll determine whether they are ready to come back into the team or not.
"The result and performance we saw in the fifth round of the FA Cup highlighted what talented young players we have ready to compete also, which has developed an important atmosphere within the group at just the right time of the season.
"We're still trying to get Albert Crusat, Ben Watson and Ryo Miyaichi back as soon as we can, but it's been great to see so many players desperate to get on the pitch and help the club."
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