Kirkland facing finger injury

Wigan goalkeeper Chris Kirkland will be out of action for as long as six weeks after the club confirmed he will undergo surgery on a torn ligament in his finger.

The former Liverpool stopper sustained the injury in training and will have the operation tomorrow.

Latics physio Alan Tomlinson refused to put an exact time frame on Kirkland’s recovery but he did reveal that it would mean a significant length of time on the sidelines.

Tomlinson told the club’s official website, www.wiganlatics.co.uk: It’s hard to tell as ever with injuries and as a rule I don’t like to put time scales in place because it can vary depending upon how quickly the injury heals.

“That said it is a pretty straightforward procedure and I would envisage he’ll be playing within six weeks.”

Kirkland has a long history of injuries but he has defended his fitness record since joining Paul Jewell’s side and insisted his latest problem would not affect his confidence.

He said: “I have been ever present so far this season which will obviously stop now, but I have had a good run and in myself I feel fitter now than I have for several seasons.

“I’m viewing this as a minor setback and just one of those strange injuries that happen from time to time.

“I’m not going to get down about it that’s for sure.”