Wigan Athletic boss Roberto Martinez insists Chris Kirkland is staying at the DW.
Ali Al Habsi has made an impressive start to life at the DW Stadium after joining on a season-long loan from Bolton, while Kirkland has been sidelined through injury.
"What Chris has done for this football club has earned the respect of everyone and he's a huge player for Wigan Athletic," Martinez said.
"It is important that every time he gets in goal he is fully fit and 100 per cent, and he is not putting himself in a situation that doesn't allow him to be at his best.
"It is important that he recovers completely and is ready to enjoy his football.
"He is one of the best professionals I have ever seen. They way he works on a daily basis has been good. He has been able to have a breather, he has been able to get his body back to normal and now we have great competition in the goalkeeping position as well as everywhere else in the team.
"Chris is a very important player for this football club and that will never change. Playing or not playing, that's just to make sure he is 100 per cent from the injury that he had.
"Chris Kirkland is too important for this football club on and off the pitch and we are just delighted to have him."
