The influential duo missed the game due to injury as Wigan crashed out of England's second cup competition this season, after their Carling Cup exit in November.

"Without Zaki and Heskey we just didn't have enough firepower. The Christmas period has taken its toll and a club like ours can't afford to have four, five out. It's not good for us," Bruce said after the defeat.

"I thought we did okay in patches but we didn't have that real menace in the side that is normally there with Heskey and Zaki."

Substantial

Bruce stressed that Zaki and Heskey will remain at JJB, unless any of them received a considerable offer to leave the club in the winter break.

"Unless we have a really substantial offer, Zaki and Heskey won't go. The last thing we want is to be dismantling the squad we are putting together," he said.

"We are having a really good time in the league at the moment. I'll do my utmost to keep the squad I have intact."

Egypt striker Zaki, who is on loan from Zamalek, was linked with a number of big moves after his dazzling displays in the league so far this term.

Big man Heskey is also poised to leave the club before his contract runs out next summer.