Welcome return to the fold for Wigan Athletic gamebreaker

The 25-year-old winger enjoyed a solid start to the campaign with Latics, only to suffer a serious ankle injury in his 11th appearance against Plymouth back in October.

After fighting his way back to fitness, he was rewarded on deadline day with another short-term deal until the end of the season.

And after a positive run-out for the Development Squad against Coventry on Thursday, he’s set for a bench berth with Latics desperate for three points in their survival fight.

“The main thing for Viv is to get his fitness levels high, where they were at the beginning of the season,” acknowledged Richardson.

“He’s obviously been out for a few months, but he made a good appearance for the Under-23s on Thursday.

“And it’s now about bringing him up to speed so he can reach those levels that allow him to be most effective.

“We’re not blessed with great numbers, especially players like Viv who can carry the ball up the pitch so well.

“He adds that directness, he has the physicality, the ability to play between lines, and obviously he likes to go past players.”

This weekend’s game is the second time in four days second-bottom Latics will face the side directly above them in the standings.

They’ll be looking for a better result than at Swindon – who moved up three places after edging a dour encounter on Tuesday – and Richardson is expecting more of an open game this time.

“I’ve watched a lot of Wimbledon this season, and they’re a very good team in my opinion,” he added.

“The league is full of good teams, good players, good coaches throughout, and you’ve got to approach every game on its own merit.

“It’s obviously been a tough week for us, having gone down to Swindon, and that does have an effect on the rest of the week.

“It’s working out what kind of work we can get into the players, and just as importantly what rest we can get into them.

“It’s as much about recovery as preparation, and getting the stuff in from the analysts which is so important. But we’re ready.”

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