Return of the Zog
CHARLES N’Zogbia is set for a dramatic return to the Wigan Athletic side for Saturday’s visit of Chelsea.
Victor Moses has been ruled out for up to three weeks with the groin injury that saw him limp off during the second half of the mauling by Blackpool.
The Frenchman was left out of the season-opener because he was, in the words of Roberto Martinez, ‘not mentally right to play’. However, the Wigan boss has rubbished rumours of a rift.
And with the player knuckling down in training this week, Martinez says he would have no qualms about recalling him for the clash with the champions.
“Football will always make the decision,” Martinez told the Evening Post.
“Mentally and physically, Charles has to be right to help the team.
“But he has been back to himself in training this week.
“And when he does that, he remains a special player for us.”
N’Zogbia had looked to be on his way out of the door after his apparent fall-out with Martinez on his return from international duty with France.
But the Spaniard insists reports of a bust-up – and subsequent disciplinary action – were the product of national media hysteria.
“There has always been a good communication between Charles and myself, and we have maintained a respectful manner,” Martinez added.
“I understand why he was affected by going away with the French national side.
“But he did not storm out of training before the Blackpool game, and you don’t get a fine when you don’t have an outburst.
“You are going to get a lot of media talk, and rumours that can get placed in the press by interested parties. But it was all dealt with behind closed doors.
“Charles didn’t do anything wrong but express his feelings, and it was only the timing that was wrong – just before the start of the season. But that is a world away from what was reported.”
The reality is that N’Zogbia could still be on his way before the end of the transfer window – with Spurs rumoured to have joined a race that also includes Sunderland, Juventus and Marseille.
But – as is the case with the whole squad – he will leave only if the deal is right for the club.
Martinez explained: “The situation with him is the same as with any other player.
“If a club comes in with an offer that matches our valuation – and the player wants to move – then he will be allowed to go.
“But, until then, Charles remains a Wigan Athletic player, and it is a partnership that has worked really well.
“It’s important for the fans to know that he will be staying unless a team matches his valuation in the market.
“That has always been the case – which is why the recent talk has been so over the top.”
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Weather for Wigan
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Light snow
Temperature: -1 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 2 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: West
