SAM Hart is set to return at left-back tonight after completing his two-match ban for accumulated bookings, while Christopher Missilou is also set to give the Latics squad a boost after international duty.

Both Hart and Carl Piergianni have been key misses in defence in the last three home games, with captain Piergianni giving the backline a boost when he reported back for duty for the visit of Mansfield on Saturday, after suspension ruled him out of defeats against Exeter City and Sutton United.

Left-back Hart had to sit out the Sutton game and last Saturday’s visit of Mansfield, in which the Stags dominated down the right in the second half, and went on to score a stoppage-time winner.

“That’s our biggest downer, all the players who have been missing,” said head coach John Sheridan when asked about having Hart available again.

“All the players who were doing well previously when we were having a little (good) run, the stronger and the more players fit the better.

“Christopher will be back and Harty’s back.

“We need people to strengthen us because Saturday-Tuesday you do get tired legs and one or two knocks.”

Junior Luamba is also nearing a return after a hamstring injury, but Sheridan is erring on the side of caution before his recall.

“Junior’s training and he’s getting stronger and stronger but you’ve got to be careful, he’s a young player,” he said.

“We need players back but it’s his hamstring we’re more worried about, we’ve got to make sure he doesn’t come back too early and ends up missing the last six games. We’ll make sure he comes back and he’s strong and ready to see the season through.”

Harrison McGahey remains sidelined with a thigh injury, and Sheridan confirmed: “H is probably two weeks away."