Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba regrets the tackle that led to James McCarthy being stretchered off on Saturday.
Wigan man McCarthy was injured as a result of a challenge from behind by Muamba, who insists there was no malice in his challenge.
The Wanderers player said: “I thought I had a 50% chance of getting the ball as it was so direct to him. I thought I could just nick it and push the team forward.
“When I came in so fast, I slightly nicked the ball and he landed awkwardly.
“I didn’t go in to injure James, it wasn’t planned or anything like that, so I regret it but I did just go in to get the ball.”
Muamba went on to admit he struggled to get through the rest of the game because he was worried about the extent of McCarthy’s injury.
He added: “It messed me up when he left the pitch. I didn’t really know what had happened to him so I was worried.”