Bolton loanee, Ali Al-Habsi has been tipped to deputise against Chelsea at the weekend, but when speaking to the Wigan Evening Post this week, Roberto Martinez hinted that he may stand by Kirkland.
Martinez said: “Chris is experienced enough to bounce back. That is absolutely not a concern for me.”
The Latics boss also revealed that he did not believe the captaincy had any effect on Kirkland's performance. Instead believing that it is likely to prove as an extra motivating factor.
“The captaincy was not a factor - not at all,” added Martinez. “The club captain is Gary Caldwell, who is injured, and the players themselves chose three other representatives - Chris, Steve Gohouri and Emmerson Boyce.
“Chris was captain on Saturday but I don’t think the armband had anything to do with our performance as a team - particularly in the first half.”