Wigan Athletic upset over James McCarthy injury
Wigan Athletic will have to deal with the absence James McCarthy after the midfielder was stretchered off during the 1-1 draw against Bolton Wanderers.
McCarthy was tackled from behind by Bolton player Fabrice Muamba. He immediately went down clutching his ankle and appeared to be in a great deal of pain.
"It's a real shame, because he's been performing in a very special manner. When you look at the replay, he clearly gets his ankle first. It's disappointing, it's from behind but the intent is to play the
ball," said Wigan boss Roberto Martinez.
It will be a big blow for the club if McCarthy has to spend a lot of time in the treatment room. However, his absence means a number of players may now be given a chance to play.
Martinez condemned the tackle has having been unnecessary.
"It was an unnecessary challenge, it was not malicious but it was reckless," he said, adding that it was a "football crime."
A huge blow
McCarthy's ankle injury is a big blow because the midfielder has been in fine form. McCarthy is very productive in defence and attack, which makes him a versatile and important midfield player.
McCarthy is responsible for a lot of the creativity within the team. Not every midfield player can create chances and bring others into play and this is the part of McCarthy's game that Wigan may miss
the most.
There will now be a chance for another player to come into the team. Hendry Thomas, Ben Watson and Tom Cleverley could all be given a starting role and they should be intent on making the most of an unexpected
chance.
Cleverley is probably the favourite to take McCarthy's place. The Manchester United player is on loan at Wigan and will be chomping at the bit for a regular place in a Premier League side.
"McCarthy is young and he's very, very fit. We hope it's not as bad as it looks," added Martinez.
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