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Wigan boss Roberto Martinez putting contract talks aside

Image: Roberto Martinez: Wigan manager has put contract talks on hold

Wigan Athletic boss Roberto Martinez has put all contract talks to one side until the Latics' relegation battle has been fought.

Alcaraz, meanwhile, is bound to have his suitors given the authoritative manner of his performances since returning from a groin injury in February. Unfortunately for the Paraguayan, he is now facing another spell on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring problem in last week's Premier League defeat at West Ham which places his appearance in the FA Cup final in doubt. The 30-year-old has been told he will spend at least three weeks on the sidelines, which is exactly the time-frame from the West Ham match until the Wembley showpiece with Manchester City. As Alcaraz is such a key figure within the Wigan defence, Martinez is bound to give him every opportunity to recover, however, he accepts the South American is cutting it fine. "As it stands it would be difficult to tell," he said. "We are talking about three weeks since it happened. It will be touch and go. It depends how quickly he can recover." Alcaraz will definitely sit out this weekend's game, with skipper Gary Caldwell set to assume authority in the centre of Wigan's three-man defence. A pivotal figure in last season's successful survival quest, Caldwell has struggled for form this term and he was dropped after the four-goal hammering by Liverpool at the beginning of March, when he was given a torrid time by Luis Suarez. Caldwell did return at West Ham last week and should now make his 100th Premier League appearance for Wigan at the weekend. "Gary, playing or not playing, is vital to this football club," said Martinez. "He is the club captain and his influence to the players is very important. "He is fresh and ready to step in and help the team."

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