Charles N’Zogbia looks set to return to the Wigan lineup and come back into to our Fantasy thinking when Chelsea visit the DW stadium on Saturday.
The reappearance of the wayward winger has been made more likely by the news that Victor Moses will be sidelined for three weeks with the groin injury sustained in the humiliating day one defeat to Blackpool.
Roberto Martinez has moved quickly to dispel any suggestion of a rift between himself N’Zogbia, announcing that the Frenchman was very much in his plans for the clash with Chelsea…
“There has always been a good communication between Charles and myself, and we have maintained a respectful manner… Charles didn’t do anything wrong but express his feelings, and it was only the timing that was wrong – just before the start of the season. But that is a world away from what was reported”.
The Wigan boss goes on to confirm that N’Zogbia trained this week and was “back to himself”…
“He remains a special player for us.”
A special player indeed. N’Zogbia amassed a total of 31 Fantasy Premier League Bonus Points for a struggling Wigan last season, earning 5 goals and 7 assists in the process. Those statistics together with a mid-price valuation of 6.0 this term saw him pick up huge interest prior to the season.
N’Zogbia is still owned by over 15% of FPL Managers but has been “Transferred out” by almost 50,000 managers this week; his price has subsequently dropped to 5.9.
Does this news offer hope for his present owners? Yes and no. N’Zogbia will likely get to showcase his talents against Carlo Ancelotti’s side on Saturday but his future at Wigan looks unsure to say the least. Martinez seems almost resigned to losing him with the likes of Sunderland, Birmingham, Spurs and Juventus reportedly having a sniff…
“It’s important for the fans to know that he will be staying unless a team matches his valuation in the market…That has always been the case – which is why the recent talk has been so over the top.”
The player himself seems more determined and recent quotes smack of a “come and get me” plea..
“Today I’m at Wigan but if tomorrow a good club with great aims contacts me, I am open. I have talked about it with my bosses. They won’t put a spoke in the wheel.”
Should N’Zogbia get his wish, Fantasy Managers would have to consider how his returns would be affected by new surroundings. Much like James Milner with his transfer from Villa to City, would N’Zogbia have the talent to standout and earn 30+ Bonus returns should he get his move? Should his destination be Sunderland or Birmingham then that may well remain a possibility but much will depend on his influence and set-piece contribution. Right now at Wigan these are without question but the speculation leading up to the transfer window creates uncertainties which are unlikely to promote any renewed interest in N’Zogbia for the time being.