Wigan won't pursue any action over Gary Caldwell

Published on 07/04/2011 18:53

Wigan will not be calling for action after captain Gary Caldwell required emergency dental work following a clash with Tottenham Hotspur striker Roman Pavlyuchenko.

The incident, which left the Scotland international with three damaged front teeth, occurred during last weekend's goalless Barclays Premier League draw at the DW Stadium.

Manager Roberto Martinez has voiced his concern but the contact was not spotted by referee Andre Marriner and the Spaniard will not be calling for retrospective action.

Martinez is pleased enough that Caldwell's treatment has been successful and the defender will be available for tomorrow's trip to Chelsea.

Martinez said: "It is a difficult incident.

"Pavlyuchenko is protecting the ball and it is difficult to see the contact. It depends what the angle is.

"But you can see straight away when the blood is flowing out, you can see there has been a nasty contact.

"Fortunately Gary is fine and is going to be available for Saturday. He had a problem with three front teeth but he has seen the dentist and it is very positive news.

"Those are incidents that happen in the game and the referee needs to make the call then.

"If you don't see it I am not big on going back and looking at situations like that."

It is the second time Wigan have been at the centre of such an incident in recent months after Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney escaped punishment for appearing to elbow Latics midfielder James McCarthy in February.

Caldwell played on following the collision, as he did after fracturing his cheekbone in a game against West Brom two months ago.

The 28-year-old's availability keeps the Latics squad at full strength and is a boost for the bottom side ahead of their daunting trip to Stamford Bridge.

With just seven games remaining, Martinez accepts his team are running out of time to beat the drop but, with the competition tight, he remains optimistic.

He said: "In the last seven games we have really clicked and developed strong partnerships on the pitch and a real understanding and chemistry in our play.

"It is a shame we haven't got another 30 games to go because I feel the hard work is really paying off.

"We are quite clear with the challenge we have got and we are going to enjoy that.

"We have got 21 points to play for and I am quite confident we are going to get enough points to have another successful season."