Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martinez says that young midfielder James McCarthy will be sidelined for up to four weeks.
The 20-year old sustained an ankle injury in the final match of the season against Stoke City on Sunday and has had to withdraw from the Republic of Ireland squad for this week's Carling Nations Cup matches against Northern Ireland (tonight) and country of birth Scotland on the weekend.
"He had a challenge in the game against Stoke with Jermaine Pennant, we had a scan and the scan revealed grade one ligament damage in his right ankle," Martinez said.
"We passed the report to the Republic of Ireland medical team and they are well, well aware. That is where James had an operation earlier this season and it is an area that is a bit of a concern.
"We have to work together to try and get him a speedy recovery but he is not available to play and he will need at least three or four weeks to recover."
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