Caldwell blow for Wigan

Wigan defender Gary Caldwell is set for another stint on the sidelines after sustaining a thigh injury.

The 28-year-old Scottish centre-back picked up the problem in Wigan’s 1-0 home triumph over West Bromwich Albion on Saturday in the English Premier League.

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez confirmed on Thursday that Caldwell could miss up to six weeks.

“It’s a tear in his quadriceps and we’re still assessing the extent of the injury but with these injuries you always fear the worse which could rule him out between 4-6 weeks,” Martinez said.

“Hopefully, though, it will reveal to be a small tear and Gary could be back playing sooner, but we’ll find out over the next week.”

Martinez is disappointed with Caldwell’s latest problem, having had to wait until October for the former Celtic man to make his debut for the club after his move in the European summer.

Caldwell needed two hip operations in the summer, consigning him to crutches for almost three months.

He impressed when he did return to action, and the Spanish manager is now bemoaning the loss of the leader.

“It’s a big shame for Gary because you could see that, game-by-game, he was adding to his game,” he said.

“His mobility has been good, he’s a leader on the pitch and has been reading games very well.”

While Caldwell will miss first-team action for some time, Martinez is pleased at the recovery that midfielder James McCarthy is making.

The Scot needed surgery on his ankle after he was injured against Bolton in October. He is expected to resume action early in the New Year.

“James (McCarthy) has progressed a lot over the last few days in his post-surgery phase,” Martinez said.

“The ankle has reacted very well to the treatment, which we’re delighted with. It’s too difficult to say exactly when he’ll return but I’m looking at around the third week in January as a guide.”

“At the moment we’re working day-to-day and making sure things are strengthening as they should.”