Chris McCann has been pencilled in for a possible comeback in the reserves on Thursday night as the Clarets receive some welcome good news on the injury front.
Boss Brian Laws saw his midfield resources decimated for last Saturday's home defeat by Wolves with McCann joined on the sidelines by Kevin McDonald and Jack Cork.
The absence of McDonald was a major blow following his outstanding performance as a second-half substitute against Stoke in the previous game but Laws now hopes to have the big Scot back to face Wigan on Saturday.
"Kevin McDonald is expected to train today. The muscle spasm in his back has relented and hopefully he will be fit and available for Saturday," confirmed the Clarets' boss.
On-loan Chelsea midfielder Cork is also back in training following a calf strain and will be another welcome addition to the squad to face the Latics in a potentially pivotal game.
Kevin McDonald is back in training
McCann may not be ready for the trip to the DW Stadium after playing less than two hours of first-team football since September because of knee problems.
But his return to fitness would be a timely boost for the Clarets' end-of-season run-in if he suffers no further adverse reaction and is able to face Manchester United's second string at Altrincham.
"We are looking to get him involved in Thursday's reserve game if, fingers crossed, he gets through the next few days okay," added Laws.
Danny Fox has also been given the all-clear with X-rays confirming no major damage after he was stretchered off on Saturday with a rib injury and breathing difficulties.
