Wigan manager Roberto Martinez feared Jordi Gomez had suffered a broken leg during the 2-0 win over Wolves.
Only 11 minutes into the game at the DW Stadium, the Spaniard was on the receiving end of a reckless challenge by opposition midfielder Karl Henry.
However, Gomez managed to continue the game and netted a superb free-kick as the Latics secured their first home win of the campaign.
But boss Martinez admitted afterwards that he had feared for the midfielder’s health moments after the tackle by Henry, who was dismissed.
The Spaniard told Sky Sports 2: “Jordi is very fortunate that he escaped damage. Straight away I thought it was a broken leg. The excessive force and how reckless it was. It was a real worry.”
Opposite number Mick McCarthy had no complaints with Henry’s dismissal but insists there was no malice in the challenge.
He added “It was a bad decision by Karl. It is sad for Karl because he is not that way inclined in terms of kicking people... But he deserved the red card.”