Wigan manager Roberto Martinez will make a late decision on whether to drop left-back Erik Edman and recall Maynor Figueroa for Saturday's return of former boss Steve Bruce and his Sunderland side.
The Honduras international's rehabilitation is ahead of schedule despite missing the last three matches with a knee injury which was expected to keep him out until December at the earliest.
However, he was an unused substitute for last Sunday's 9-1 horror show at Tottenham and after Edman was terrorised by winger Aaron Lennon, Figueroa's return to fitness is a welcome boost.
Wigan's statistics from the White Hart Lane trouncing showed one defender failed to make a single tackle during the whole of the game.
Although that player has not been identified, Edman's performance in only his second league match since May was roundly criticised by observers.
Figueroa, coincidentally a reported target for Bruce in January having originally recruited the player for Latics in January last year, has adapted well to the Premier League and last season started every Barclays Premier League match.
During his three-game absence Wigan have conceded 14 goals - including four to bottom side Portsmouth.
"Maynor is still not 100% fit. Emmerson Boyce could play there, Charles N'Zogbia is a left-back but he's more attacking and he doesn't like to play there," said Martinez.
"But we have two sessions to see how Maynor is developing. I would say he is 90%.
"I wouldn't risk him but I'd hope we could make a proper judgement as 48 hours is a big thing."
Martinez refused to single out any one player for criticism after last Sunday's debacle, when they conceded eight goals in the last 39 minutes.
However, when asked about Edman's performance he said: "It is one of those tough moments in your career that you need to make sure you learn from it and react from it and become a more mature person and footballer.
"It is not about individuals, you cannot single anyone out. We win together, we lose together.
"It was a defeat for the squad and we will take it that way."
The Spaniard has limited options if he wanted to drastically change his team and, as a result, has called on all his squad to raise their games.
"You can take people out but it is more a question of pride and feeling good again," he said.
"It was a very hurtful experience and it is still very painful but the squad has been working really hard.
"Everyone has their own responsibility and standards and it is important we react in the right way, whoever is on the pitch.
"We all need to react like men and it is very tough but it is how you react to adversity."
