Wigan Athletic boss Steve Bruce has admitted frustration with Emile Heskey's injury problems.

Heskey limped out of last week's win over West Ham with a back problem prompting fears of a third stint on the sidelines in an injury hit season.

But manager Steve Bruce said: "The injury he has got is not that serious. It's more of a consequence of him being out for three months.

"We think he has a chance for the weekend. The injury is all related to nerves in his lower back."

Bruce admits he is growing frustrated by Heskey's injury woes.

He added: "It's unfortunate because we can't work with Emile in the way we want on the training pitch.

"That means we can't get him to the fitness levels where we want him to be and he wants to be. He'll get through this though, and having him available is so important."