Problems mount for Latics

Wigan manager Steve Bruce will be forced into a reshuffle at Portsmouth tomorrow with four key players missing through injury or suspension.

Left-back Erik Edman is set to be out for up to six months after rupturing his cruciate knee ligament in last week’s 3-1 defeat at Blackburn, while midfield trio Michael Brown, Wilson Palacios and Jason Koumas are all suspended.

Bruce has received some positive news, however, with goalkeeper Chris Kirkland expected to be available after withdrawing from the England squad to rest a back injury, while Antoine Sibierski has recovered from a calf problem.

Wigan (from): Kirkland, Melchiot, Scharner, Boyce, Kilbane, Olembe, Skoko, Taylor, Valencia, Heskey, King, Aghahowa, Bent, Bramble, Sibierski, Pollitt, Figueroa, Hagen.