Wigan hoping for Heskey boost

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• More Premier League news club by club

The England forward has been plagued by injury this season and has missed the Latics entire festive programme so far with a sprained ankle.

But manager Steve Bruce confirmed the former Liverpool star will train today and is hopeful Heskey will be available for the trip to Anfield.

"I expect Emile to be fit," said Bruce.

"We have to see how he trains over the next couple of days and obviously, with the injuries he has sustained, it will be vital we don't rush him too much.

"He has not really been involved in this part of the season but it is important he stays fit for the rest of it because he would effectively be a big addition to the squad."

Bruce was able to deliver a double dose of good news on the injury front, with Wales midfielder Jason Koumas having also returned to training following a recent groin problem.

He too could be available to face Rafael Benitez's men.

Although Wigan have suffered 20 defeats in 20 league matches with the top flight's so-called 'big four', Bruce has enjoyed the better of his head-to-head clashes with Benitez, winning two and drawing the other two.

He did, however, suffered the humiliation of a 7-0 home FA Cup defeat to Liverpool at St Andrews in March 2006 when he was still at Birmingham.