Keeper Kirkland leaves hospital

The 25-year-old was taken to hospital at half-time after an accidental collision with team-mate David Wright.

But the injury was not as serious as feared and Wigan boss Paul Jewell said: "The main thing is Kirky is all right.

"In the ambulance he did apparently say to tell the gaffer he would be okay for Wednesday against Arsenal."

Kirkland received treatment on the pitch but was given oxygen and put in a neck brace at half-time following a delayed reaction.

"Chris went into shock," explained Jewell. "He was surrounded by six or seven paramedics and they were concerned, very concerned.

"I saw him come in and the next thing, he was on a bed.

"It was probably one of my hardest ever half-time team talks, to keep the players' minds focused on the job at hand. It's not easy when you see a team-mate suffering."

Chelsea goalkeepers Petr Cech and Carlo Cudicini were knocked out in the same match against Reading in October.

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