Latics have received cheer on the injury front with Ritchie Jones and Reuben Hazell on course to return in Saturday's npower League One match at Peterborough.

Midfield-man Jones, who has missed the last two matches through a hamstring strain, is expected back in training on Thursday.

Central-defender Hazell, sidelined through a tear in a thigh muscle against Shrewsbury in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy, is also progressing well and could also be back.

There is also good news concerning Latics' other injured players, especially front players Lewis Alessandra and Ryan Brooke.

Alessandra, who tore a calf muscle three weeks ago, is now back running and it won't be long before he is back in action.

Brooke, who badly damaged ankle ligaments in the final pre-season friendly against Preston, has had a course of three injections which have not only stabilised the injury but he is already back running and working out in the gym.

Goalkeeper Greg Fleming is also well ahead of schedule following the serious knee injury sustained in the pre-season friendly at Rhyl. He, too, has had injections to help speed up the recovery.