Wigan midfielder James McCarthy is facing two months on the sidelines with an ankle injury.
McCarthy was stretchered off during the 1-1 draw with Bolton at the weekend, having been injured in a challenge from behind by Wanderers’ Fabrice Muamba.
And scans have confirmed the 19-year-old Irishman, who had been an ever-present for the Latics so far this season, has suffered ligament damage, ruling him out for up to 10 weeks.
Boss Roberto Martinez, who has refused to criticise Muamba for his tackle, said: “It is a little bit better than we thought at first but it is obviously ligament damage in the right ankle.
“When it is swollen it is sometimes difficult to assess but there is no fracture, we hope.
“We expect to get the results of the scan today (Monday) and then hopefully it will be eight to 10 weeks.”