Smith, Simpson set to return for Everton
Latics are set to welcome back strikers Matt Smith and Robbie Simpson for Saturday's FA Cup with Budweiser, fifth-round match against Everton.Smith (pictured scoring at Coventry) has not played since scoring twice in the dramatic 3-2 fourth-round victory against Liverpool.
He damaged his shoulder in that match, but the injury has responded well to treatment and he is due to resume full training on Thursday.
Simpson, who sustained a slight tear to his hamstring in the Liverpool match, is also progressing well. It is hoped he, too, will be back in full training on Thursday.
Cristian Montano, who tore a thigh muscle at Scunthorpe on New Year's Day, is progressing well and ought to be able to resume training in between two and three weeks.
Young professional Connor Hughes has had a scan on the knee he injured in last week's Manchester Senior Cup tie against Manchester United.
The scan has revealed minor damage to his medial ligament which is likely to keep him out for between two and three weeks.