Image:Alcaraz: Set to be sidelined for up to two months
Roberto Martinez believes Antolin Alcaraz's heavy workload over the past two seasons is responsible for his injury setback.
Latics defender breaks down on the back of gruelling schedule
Roberto Martinez believes Antolin Alcaraz's heavy workload over the past two seasons is responsible for his injury setback.
The Wigan defender is set to be sidelined for the next two months after tearing a muscle in his leg.
He picked up the knock during the Latics' 0-0 draw at Swansea last weekend, lasting just 37 minutes of that encounter before being forced off.
Scans have confirmed that the Paraguay international is facing up to a lengthy lay-off, with it expected that he will miss six to seven weeks.
Phenomenal
Martinez is disappointed to lose a key member of his first-team plans, but admits Alcaraz has been pushed to breaking point since moving to the DW Stadium from Club Brugge in 2010.
He said: "I think Antolin has been the victim of his own success as the amount of games he has had to play in the last two seasons is phenomenal.
"He played in the World Cup, didn't have too much rest and started a very demanding season in the Premier League before joining Paraguay again for the Copa America.
"He is in a situation now where having six to seven weeks away from football pitches will be a good thing - he is a real asset as everyone knows he is one of the best centre-halves in the Premier League."
