David Cuffley Antoine Sibierski looks odds-on to return to Wigan in the New Year when his loan spell with Norwich City ends.The 34-year-old Frenchman is with the Canaries until January 18, which makes him eligible for a further seven Championship games.

David Cuffley

Antoine Sibierski looks certain to return to Wigan in the New Year when his loan spell with Norwich City ends.

The 34-year-old Frenchman is with the Canaries until January 18, which makes him eligible for a further seven Championship games.

But Sibierski is struggling to be fit for tomorrow night's trip to Watford (7.45pm) and Saturday's game at Reading because of a foot injury and he has started only two of the last seven matches.

“It looks that he'll be going back to Wigan in the middle of January,” said manager Glenn Roeder today.

Sibierski, who has scored twice in 13 outings for City, would not be allowed to play for City in the FA Cup at Charlton on January 3.

City will also make a late check on defenders Elliott Omozusi and Ryan Bertrand before the game at Vicarage Road, but John Kennedy is available again after serving a one-match ban for his sending-off at Sheffield Wednesday.

“Ryan was a bit sore and Elliott got a kick late on, and Sibierski is still struggling,” said Roeder. “We need to have a look at those two youngsters this morning and probably won't make a decision on them until just before the game.”