Figueroa return boosts Wigan

Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martinez has been boosted by the return of Maynor Figueroa ahead of Saturday’s game with Everton.

Figueroa has missed the last two games with a suspension and Wigan conceded five goals in the defender’s absence.

And the manager believes the Honduran’s return has his squad fighting for places in the starting 11, a good sign as Wigan battle for their Premier League survival.

“You can see that competition and desire in the training ground,” Martinez said.

“Our biggest asset is the competition for places because we have a fully-fit squad and everyone is desperate to play a part.”

“That is where we need to carry on with the same focus and concentration and just making sure that we do everything we can in the next four games.”

Wigan have been near the foot of the table for most of the season but Martinez thinks that could turn out to be a positive thing.

As they have been struggling for so long, he thinks the players will not panic as the season draws to a close and that composure could be the thing that keeps them safe.

“I think it is nothing different for us because it is not like all of a sudden we have found ourselves in this situation,” Martinez said.

“We have been dealing with this situation for the last six months so from our point of view nothing changes.”

“I think we have found a very consistent level of performance in the last 10 games so in that respect that is all we need to do: carrying on with our level until the last game of the campaign.”

“Playing at home we really feel the support from the fans really helps us to perform to the best of our abilities.”

“We are really excited for Saturday knowing that Everton are a very experienced side, they are very competitive and unless we are at your best we will not be able to compete against them.”

Wigan have no reported injury news.