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Mounting injuries worry Martinez

Roberto Martinez is counting the cost of a demanding start to the season and knows the next two months will be key to his Wigan side's success.

Last Updated: 01/12/12 at 13:12 Post Comment

Roberto Martinez: Has a crowded treatment room

Roberto Martinez: Has a crowded treatment room

Latics could have eight first-team players sidelined for Monday's trip to Newcastle with David Jones (calf) and Gary Caldwell (hamstring) providing the only glimmers of hope in a packed-out treatment room as they are both rated 50/50 for the clash.

Midfielders Albert Crusat (knee) and Ben Watson (broken leg), winger Ryo Miyaichi (ankle), forward Shaun Maloney (groin) and defenders Antolin Alcaraz (groin) and Ivan Ramis (hamstring) remain on the sidelines.

Despite a mounting injury list, Martinez remains focused on building a more consistent side, with the disappointment of dominating Manchester City for the first hour before eventually losing out 2-0 on Wednesday night a source of inspiration.

"It shows how far we have come this season and how far we want to go as we're not happy about performing well and losing to the champions," Martinez said.

"We were the better side for 60 mins but obviously you are disappointed when you play well and you perform well you need to be disappointed if you don't get the three points.

"I think that was the pleasing aspect of seeing the dressing room disappointed after the game because we thought in many ways we should have got the result.

"That little bit of luck or taking the chances or having that bit of favour of the ball bouncing in the striker's path or the defender's path can make a real difference."

With the January transfer window now a month away, the Wigan boss revealed he has his eye on a few new players to help give his side an extra spark.

"The way we've been running our football club we always try to work in advance and we're trying to get probably two or three players to help the ones we have got at the club to give us a real boost in January," Martinez said.

"Remember it is a difficult window but we have been working now for a long time to identify players who can bring us something different.

"We will work as hard as we can and our focus is to be a stronger squad when the window closes so that's not going to change."

However, the Spaniard does not expect a certain high profile free agent to be turning out in Wigan colours, although he believes David Beckham would be a valuable asset for any Premier League team after making his final appearance for LA Galaxy in the Major League Soccer final on Saturday.

"I think David Beckham in many ways would be a real source of experience for many youngsters and players in the world so he would be a massive asset for any team in the Premier League, that's for sure," Martinez said.

"Age brings experience brings know-how as long as you look after yourself and you are a real professional and we all know with David Beckham that's never a problem.

"He won't be able to do the same jobs he was doing when he was 21 or 22 that's for sure but whatever he brings to a squad will be beneficial."

Turning to Monday's difficult clash against Newcastle, Martinez admitted he is glad to have extra time to prepare and hopefully see some players return to fitness.

"I would prefer to play at the same time as the other teams," Martinez said.

"But if you gave me a week where we get an extra 24 or 48 hours I would pick this one because it has been a really demanding month.

"The game against Manchester City was very demanding from a physical point of view and I'm sure both teams would be delighted to have those extra hours to recover.

"The end of November and beginning of December is a key moment of the season about starting to feel the effects of a very demanding season so I would pick this as the time to recover."

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