Selection ´not a problem´ for Martinez

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez has welcomed selection dilemma ahead of the visit of Arsenal on Wednesday.

Martinez has defenders Hendry Thomas and Maynor Figueroa back from suspension for the clash, but will be loathe to tinker after the well-deserved 2-1 victory over Wolves on Boxing Day (December 26).

James McArthur was a revelation in the centre of the park on his full English Premier League start at Molineux, while the defence – with Gary Caldwell back after injury – looked as solid as it has all season.

Martinez, however, will not be losing too much sleep in the lead up to the Arsenal clash.

He said: “Selection is not a problem at all. We have four games in 11 days to come, and that’s how busy this time of the season is and how vital it is to have as many members of the squad available.”

“The comebacks of Maynor and Hendry are welcome, but we’ll make sure over this period the whole squad has a role to play.”

Wigan will be looking to repeat their famous victory in this fixture last term, when they came from 2-0 down in the last 10 minutes to pick up all three points thanks to Charles N’Zogbia’s last-gasp winner.

“That game is still very fresh in the memory of a lot of people, and the players all know how special that day was,” Martinez smiled.

“We’re fully aware of the challenge we face this time round and the quality and confidence Arsene Wenger’s side possess.”

“But when we’re playing at home we like to take the opportunity to be ourselves and impose on the opposition.”

“The game against Chelsea on Monday shows the kind of form Arsenal are in at the moment.”

“They are reaching their peak and we’ll have to be at our best to compete with that.”

“But in a period that is full of fixtures in a short space of time, we’re looking at the game as an ideal opportunity to continue our own form and put more points on the board.”