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Cleverley not so clever
Tom Cleverley
TOM Cleverley could be sidelined until the middle of October after damaging his knee ligaments.
The on-loan Manchester United starlet picked up the problem in a training ground mishap, and Wigan boss Roberto Martinez confirmed he will sit out the next three matches.
Cleverley, who made a hugely-encouraging debut against Sunderland earlier this month, was a late withdrawal for last weekend’s visit of Manchester City.
The 21-year-old would not have been eligible in any case to feature in tomorrow’s Carling Cup visit of Preston, with United not wanting him cup-tied.
But the injury will definitely keep him out of Saturday’s trip to Birmingham, and more than likely the home match with Wolves on Saturday week.
With an international break the following weekend, Cleverley could already be looking at the trip to Newcastle on October 16 as his earliest opportunity for a return.
“Tom will probably be out for at least the next two weeks,” Martinez told the Evening Post.
“He has a little problem with the medial ligament in his knee. But he is a very strong, fit boy and we hope he’ll be able to heal quicker than is expected.
“In training, as you can imagine, it’s very competitive with all the talent we have in the squad.
“Tom got a challenge and unfortunately he opened his knee a little bit.
“It’s not great timing, because he had a real impact when he came on against Sunderland.
“He didn’t need any settling in period at all, and that’s the sign of an excellent player.
“The good news is it’s not going to be a long lay-off, but it’s frustrating nonetheless.”
There is better news for Martinez concerning Victor Moses, who has reported no after-effects from his late cameo against City on Sunday, his first action since damaging ankle ligaments last month.
“Victor has got rid of his niggle and trained well yesterday,” added Martinez, who is expected to shuffle his pack for the derby with North End.
That should mean starts for the likes of James McArthur, Steven Caldwell and Jordi Gomez, who all played influential roles in the 3-0 win at Hartlepool in the last round.
The Wigan boss also faces a dilemma in goal, where he must choose between Ali Al Habsi – who has started the last four matches – and fit-again Chris Kirkland.
“Ali has done really well and has given us great competition in the goalkeeping ranks,” Martinez conceded.
“But Chris has been fit for a week now and I’ll make a late decision as to who starts.
Tickets for tomorrow’s game will be available from the West Stand ticket office for supporters wishing to sit in that particular stand.
Supporters choosing to sit in the East Stand will be able to buy tickets on the turnstiles up until kick-off (7.45pm).
Ex-Latics striker Marlon King has joined Coventry until the end of the season.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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Morpheus
Tuesday, September 21, 2010 at 03:13 PMlatics need to do two things to get the crowds coming back. they need to sort their defence out and they need a big-name signing. someone like Michael Owen that the little kids will want to turn out to see and buy a shirt with his name on their back. they should spend some of the millions they have earned through the sales of the likes of valencia, palacios, cattermole etc and break the bank to get a 'star' - otherwise the attendances are going to continue to dwindle
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