Wigan v Portsmouth - Boyce back in the frame

Posted Wednesday, April 14, 2010 by PA

Emmerson Boyce is close to a return after missing Wigan's last three games with a range of injury problems instigated by a back issue.

Boyce has joined in the last two training sessions and will be assessed ahead of Barclays Premier League clash with Portsmouth at the DW Stadium.

Hendry Thomas is rated as 50/50 by boss Roberto Martinez due to a quad injury which saw him miss the defeat at Fulham nine days ago, while Gary Caldwell serves the second of a three-game suspension.

Portsmouth boss Avram Grant looks set to be without striker Aruna Dindane.

The Ivory Coast international appeared in Sunday's FA Cup semi-final triumph over Tottenham but Pompey are unable to pay his parent club Lens the #4million they are owed if he plays one more game.

Right-back Anthony Vanden Borre returns from suspension but Hassan Yebda (knee), Kevin Prince Boateng (ankle), Nadir Belhadj (thigh), Papa Bouba Diop (knee), Tommy Smith (broken nose) and Aaron Mokoena (groin) may be rested.

Midfielder Aaron Mokoena and his team-mates have called on the club's administrators to ensure they can take up their spot in next season's Europa League.

Despite having had their relegation to the Coca-Cola Championship confirmed on Saturday, Pompey's win over Tottenham has put them in with a chance of playing European football next term.

With final opponents Chelsea set to be competing in the Champions League, Pompey would normally be guaranteed a spot in the Europa League regardless of the outcome at Wembley on May 15.

But, with the south-coast club in administration, they have been unable to file audited accounts - one of the criteria required to gain a UEFA licence.

Mokoena said: "There was a meeting with the administrators and there were a few questions raised. The main one was being in Europe. I was quite happy that there were absolutely no questions coming from the players about money.

"They were asking about whether the club will be able to play in Europe. We need to show people we want to win the cup and we want to play in Europe. That's important."