Wigan boss Roberto Martinez has confirmed Franco Di Santo's ankle problem is not as bad as first feared.
But Cleverley may have played last game for Latics
Wigan boss Roberto Martinez has confirmed Franco Di Santo's ankle problem is not as bad as first feared.
The Argentinian striker has been carrying the injury since the Latics' 2-2 draw at Newcastle on October 16 but continued to play for six weeks before having to sit out their last two league games.
The 21-year-old saw a specialist in London last Wednesday about the problem and Martinez is optimistic he will be back in action soon after revealing there is no serious injury.
"We've had some great news in that the ligament isn't damaged," he told the
Wigan Observer.
Massive relief
"We'll keep an eye on him over the next week or so but we're hoping he is fine - which would be a massive relief.
"When you look at the players we have been without in recent weeks, and the ones we'll be without next week as well, we need big players like Franco available for selection.
"Hopefully he'll react well to treatment. If so, we're looking at two weeks maximum, probably nearer seven days."
Martinez already has James McCarthy (ankle) and Victor Moses (shoulder) in the treatment room and they were joined on Saturday by Tom Cleverley, who was substituted at half-time in the goalless draw at Everton with a rib problem.
The midfielder arrived in August on a season-long loan deal from Manchester United but reports have suggested his parent club may look to recall him in January so a spell on the sidelines could mean the 21-year-old has played his last game for Wigan.
"We fear Tom has cracked his rib, which would be a real problem for us all," Martinez added.
Wigan will also be without the suspended Hendry Thomas and Maynor Figueroa for Saturday's home game with Aston Villa.
