The striker who bagged a brace in the 2-0 win over Leicester recently has been recalled due to an injury to Peter Crouch, and it seems likely that Ellington will return to the Wigan starting line-up.
Manager Paul Jewell told the club's official website: : "We are obviously gutted to be losing Brett at such a crucial period but I fully understand why Southampton have recalled him and I'd have done exactly the same in their situation.
Brett goes with our best wishes and with great thanks for his efforts. I'd also like to put on record my thanks to Harry Redknapp for letting us have Brett in the first place!"