The pair have been separated for the last two games after Ellington was dropped to the bench to bring Ormerod into the starting line-up.
But Premiership strugglers Southampton yesterday ordered Ormerod back to the St Mary's Stadium less than a fortnight into his second month on loan with Latics.
They need him to cover the loss of Peter Crouch who pulled a hamstring in the warm-up before their south coast derby with Portsmouth last Sunday.
Manager Paul Jewell took the departure of the striker on the chin but admitted he would be a big loss.
He said: "Obviously we are gutted to lose Brett at this time but I understand the predicament Southampton are in and we would have done exactly the same in their situation.
"Brett has been superb while he has been here, both on and off the field, and we have all enjoyed working with him.
"I would like to thank the lad himself for being a superb professional and also thank Harry Redknapp for letting us have him in the first place."
Ormerod made three starts and three substitute appearances for Latics, scoring twice against Leicester 10 days ago.
He extended his loan stay until the end of the season prior to the Leicester game but the second month included a 24-hour recall clause which Southampton have now activated.
The call from Redknapp requesting his return only came once Ormerod had left Christopher Park after training yesterday.
Whether he returns on a permanent basis in the summer remains to be seen, although the player has openly stated his desire to join Latics and return to the north after three years with the Saints.
The blow of Ormerod's departure is softened by the fact Ellington is waiting in the wings for a recall after his recent benching.
A rest won't have done him any harm and Jewell will be hoping he can rediscover the form which netted 23 league goals this term and earned him a place in the PFA's Championship team of the season.
Strike partner Roberts will be pleased to have him back in tandem having played down stories of a rift between the pair.
He told the Evening Post: "A lot of people make stuff up about Nathan and myself but it's no more than playful banter between two guys who have grown up together.
"Some people have tried to put a sinister side to it and it is really nothing like that.
"I've known Nathan for nearly 10 years now and there is no problem whatsoever.
"There is no bet between us about how many goals we can score.
"I want to score as many goals as anyone else – I want to score more than say Darren Bent at Ipswich.
"Why can't it be me against Darren Bent as opposed to one of my best friends?"
Roberts currently has 20 goals and hopes to be able to add to his tally in the final two games against Preston and Reading.
It's a figure he's not that surprised at reaching, saying: "I thought that with a full season at this level I would get 20-odd goals, so it's just what I expected.
"I think I've been playing all right, I'm happy with my form but to me what is important is that we go up in those top two positions.
"It would be disappointing if we didn't end up there and that is what I'm focusing on right now."
Meanwhile, Emerson Thome was making his return from injury in Latics Reserves' final Pontins League game of the season at Stoke this afternoon.
The Brazilian centre-half has been out of action for more than two months with hamstring and calf problems.
Alan Mahon and Andreas Johansson were also getting a run-out to keep them sharp in case they're needed for first-team action.
But Premiership strugglers Southampton yesterday ordered Ormerod back to the St Mary's Stadium less than a fortnight into his second month on loan with Latics.
They need him to cover the loss of Peter Crouch who pulled a hamstring in the warm-up before their south coast derby with Portsmouth last Sunday.
Manager Paul Jewell took the departure of the striker on the chin but admitted he would be a big loss.
He said: "Obviously we are gutted to lose Brett at this time but I understand the predicament Southampton are in and we would have done exactly the same in their situation.
"Brett has been superb while he has been here, both on and off the field, and we have all enjoyed working with him.
"I would like to thank the lad himself for being a superb professional and also thank Harry Redknapp for letting us have him in the first place."
Ormerod made three starts and three substitute appearances for Latics, scoring twice against Leicester 10 days ago.
He extended his loan stay until the end of the season prior to the Leicester game but the second month included a 24-hour recall clause which Southampton have now activated.
The call from Redknapp requesting his return only came once Ormerod had left Christopher Park after training yesterday.
Whether he returns on a permanent basis in the summer remains to be seen, although the player has openly stated his desire to join Latics and return to the north after three years with the Saints.
The blow of Ormerod's departure is softened by the fact Ellington is waiting in the wings for a recall after his recent benching.
A rest won't have done him any harm and Jewell will be hoping he can rediscover the form which netted 23 league goals this term and earned him a place in the PFA's Championship team of the season.
Strike partner Roberts will be pleased to have him back in tandem having played down stories of a rift between the pair.
He told the Evening Post: "A lot of people make stuff up about Nathan and myself but it's no more than playful banter between two guys who have grown up together.
"Some people have tried to put a sinister side to it and it is really nothing like that.
"I've known Nathan for nearly 10 years now and there is no problem whatsoever.
"There is no bet between us about how many goals we can score.
"I want to score as many goals as anyone else – I want to score more than say Darren Bent at Ipswich.
"Why can't it be me against Darren Bent as opposed to one of my best friends?"
Roberts currently has 20 goals and hopes to be able to add to his tally in the final two games against Preston and Reading.
It's a figure he's not that surprised at reaching, saying: "I thought that with a full season at this level I would get 20-odd goals, so it's just what I expected.
"I think I've been playing all right, I'm happy with my form but to me what is important is that we go up in those top two positions.
"It would be disappointing if we didn't end up there and that is what I'm focusing on right now."
Meanwhile, Emerson Thome was making his return from injury in Latics Reserves' final Pontins League game of the season at Stoke this afternoon.
The Brazilian centre-half has been out of action for more than two months with hamstring and calf problems.
Alan Mahon and Andreas Johansson were also getting a run-out to keep them sharp in case they're needed for first-team action.