PAUL Jewell is hoping star striker Henri Camara can hitch a ride home with returning Wanderers duo El-Hadji Diouf and Abdoulaye Faye and figure for the Latics as soon as possible.

Senegal lost to African Nations Cup hosts Egypt on Tuesday but Camara will still have to wait until Friday to rejoin his teammates at the JJB Stadium as the match for third place against Nigeria takes place on Thursday.

And Wigan boss Jewell is hoping Camara can convince his Wanderers counterparts to save him a seat on the specially chartered plane if Sam Allardyce decides to bring his players back for the Wanderers' clash against Arsenal on Saturday.

Jewell said: "It's looking doubtful that we'll get Henri back in time, isn't it?

"It's out of my control, I'm sure Henri would get back if he could.

"I'm told Sam Allardyce is talking about flying back some of his players, so maybe I'll have a word with him and see if Henri can bunk on."

On loan striker Neil Mellor played against Wanderers on Saturday, but is unavailable to face Liverpool this weekend because Premier League rules state he cannot play against his employers.

That leaves Sweden international Andreas Johansson as the only recognised striker left available at the club.

Jewell admits that involvement in the Carling Cup, FA Cup and the league have taken their toll on his small squad.

He said: "I'm not moaning too much about our workload as I know there are people watching us who do 12-hour shifts.

"But both physically and mentally, the amount of games have been taking their toll."

Wanderers have welcomed back Radhi Jaidi from African Nations Cup duty following Tunisia's exit from the competition.

He will go straight into the squad for the club's last-ever trip to Highbury on Saturday.