Zaki back in the Wigan fold

Amr Zaki is set to return to the Wigan line-up for Sunday’s Premier League clash with Blackburn after manager Steve Bruce drew a line under his recent spat with the Egypt striker.

Zaki was branded “the most unprofessional player I’ve ever worked with” by Bruce and was fined by the club after he decided to stay in Egypt without permission following international duty at the end of last month.

The on-loan forward has since returned to training following a hamstring strain and Bruce said he would be considered for the Blackburn match.

“If I need to pick Zaki and have him involved, I will do so,” Bruce said. “He is back training, and I’ve got to say, training very well.

“A scan showed his hamstring is okay now and his fitness is good. I have always said we might see the return of Zaki to his best when the sun shines and the daffodils come out.

“He found it difficult to settle during the winter for one reason or another.”

Bruce’s conciliatory comments increase the chances that Wigan could yet opt to make Zaki’s loan move from Zamalek permanent at the end of the season.