The Latics head to Plymouth on Tuesday night with the aim of making their way out of League One’s relegation zone for the first time in five months.
Saturday’s 3-0 win over MK Dons saw them climb to a point of safety, with 13 games to go.
It was also Massey’s fifth consecutive appearance after returning from a calf injury that had sidelined him since November.
His assist for Callum Lang’s killer second goal showed he still has the quality to do damage at this level.
And Richardson says that Massey’s absence – along with Evans, Tom Pearce and Kyle Joseph – underscored just how tough the Latics have been this quarter.
“This is just another of the disappointments of the season, the time we have had to go without some of our senior players,” said the Latics boss.
“We’ve had so many long term absences… also Lee, Tom, Kyle… it was another crisis within a crisis, and another challenge that we had to face.
“It was great to see Gav come back to where we know he can be on the weekends, he’s a great boy I’ve worked with for a few years.
“Physically, he had to deal with his injuries.
“And mentally, he’s also had to deal with so many of his teammates and the staff has evolved, and the club has changed as much as it has since last summer.
“Seeing him back on the pitch and having over 80 minutes under his belt, it’s so nice for me to see.”
Evans has only played once – the 1-0 victory at Sunderland on December 8 – since the 1-1 draw on October 24 against Plymouth, his opponent on Tuesday night.
But the return of the Welsh international will also be a huge boost for the break-in.
“Lee had a good week of training last week,” added Richardson. “And I hope he will continue to stay fit and injury-free for the rest of the season.”
Latics will need to make at least one change on Tuesday night, with center-back Scott Wootton – who joined Plymouth Latics on loan in January – unable to face his parent club.
It could mean a change in midfielder for George Johnston, with Alex Perry or Dan Gardner possibly entering the engine room.
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