On-loan Wigan Athletic defender Charlie Mulgrew is hopeful that he will be able to return to action when his side travel to the Bet365 Stadium to face Stoke City on Saturday afternoon.

Mulgrew hasn't featured since being forced off early in the Latics 1-0 defeat at Derby County on the 23rd October through injury, with Paul Cook's side picking up just a single point in the three games they have played subsequent to that.

Now however, it seems as though Mulgrew, who has also been forced to miss the recent international break with Scotland due to injury, is back to full fitness.

Speaking to Wigan Today about his current situation, the 33-year-old said: “The injury’s all good now.

“I’ve had a few days training, and it was handy to have the international break to get a wee bit extra rest.

“It feels good and we’ll see how it goes. I’ve still got a few tests to get through, but hopefully it’ll be okay.”

Reflecting on the loss of form Wigan have suffered in the aftermath of his injury, Mulgrew continued: “It’s frustrating because we were on a decent run of results, and playing well at Derby when it happened.

“Unfortunately there’s nothing you can do about it, you’ve just got to get your head down and get on with it.

“The physios have worked their magic and I’m feeling good about coming back.”

Since joining Wigan on a season-long loan from Championship rivals Blackburn Rovers on the final day of the summer transfer window, Mulgrew has made nine appearances in all competitions for the Latics, who are currently 20th in the Championship ahead of their clash with the Potters.

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The Verdict

This is a big boost for Wigan.

Mulgrew had been in really impressive form prior to his injury, so having him back to shore up their defence could be useful against a Stoke side who looked somewhat rejuvenated in their first game under new boss Michael O'Neill just before the international break.

Indeed, with fellow centre back Cedric Kipre being sent off in Wigan's defeat to Brentford last time out, the timing of Mulgrew's return to fitness arguably couldn't have been better for the Latics.

From an individual perspective, Mulgrew too will surely be keen to pick up where he left off before his injury, having enjoyed some of his more impressive performances of the last few seasons since his move to the DW Stadium.