Wigan manager Roberto Martinez has refused to condemn the tackle which could rule out midfielder James McCarthy for some time.
McCarthy was stretchered off during the 1-1 draw with Bolton on Monday after being tackled from behind by Wanderers midfielder Fabrice Muamba.
But with the standard of tackling in the Premier League being the subject of major debate in recent weeks, Martinez refused to be too critical of Muamba.
He said: “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.”
In fact, the Latics boss was more critical of Antolin Alcaraz for the pass which put McCarthy in trouble.
Martinez added: “It’s a difficult ball for a midfielder, it’s a straight ball. It’s one of those actions when you’re sending your team-mate into the lion’s den.
“But McCarthy is young and he’s very, very fit. We hope it is not as bad as it looks.”