Diame out until New Year

Latics midfielder expected to miss at least four fixtures

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 18th December 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Diame out until New Year

Diame: Knee problem

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Wigan's festive plans have been dealt a blow with the news that Mohamed Diame is set to be sidelined.

The French midfielder is struggling with a knee injury he picked up during Wednesday's 2-1 defeat at Liverpool.

The results of an initial scan have proved inconclusive, but the 22-year-old will be checked over again on either Saturday or Monday.

Diame has been an influential figure for the Latics this season, starting every game since completing a summer switch from Rayo Vallecano.

However, he now looks set to miss at least four games, with Premier League fixtures against Bolton, Blackburn, Manchester United and an FA Cup third round tie against Hull City expected to come too soon.

"He was involved in a tough challenge on Wednesday. It was a football accident and the knee opened up," said Wigan boss Roberto Martinez on the incident that saw Diame hobble off just before the hour mark at Anfield.

"At the moment we think he has a little problem with the lateral ligament in his left knee.

Inflammation

"We need to see the extent of the problem, but it's a question of weeks rather than months.

"We hope it will be between two and three weeks, but it's too early to call at the moment, although he's gone for the Christmas and New Year period.

"He had one scan yesterday, but that wasn't too clear because of the inflammation around the area, with the cartilage and meniscus affected.

"So he'll probably have another scan tomorrow or Monday, with the next 48 hours important.

"But he is a very fit boy and sometimes you settle quicker than the injury itself.

"With the light numbers we have in the squad, though, any injury is a big blow for us.

"Momo has been in good form. He started well against Liverpool, so naturally it's disappointing to lose him."