Wigan Athletic boss Roberto Martinez feels Newcastle United could have staring at the abyss if not for Ivory Coast.

Senegal's absence from the African Nations Cup means Toon boss Alan Pardew gets to play star strikers Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse next month.

But Wigan manager Martinez fears he will lose his Ivory Coast ace Arouna Kone for up to seven weeks as a result of beating Senegal to the finals.

"It is a catastrophe from Senegal's point of view, that they failed to qualify, but from Newcastle's point of view, it's a blessing," said Martinez ahead of Wigan's trip to St James' Park tonight.

"These kind of players can really make a difference. To lose one key player for over a month can be devastating. To lose two is a major problem.

"Sometimes small margins have big results and for Newcastle to be able to keep their two main strikers will have a massive bearing on their month."