Source: Daily_Mail
Gary Caldwell determined to play on despite cheekbone injury
Wigan captain Gary Caldwell is ready to play against Blackburn today, only 48 hours after surgery on a fractured cheekbone. [LNB]Caldwell suffered the injury in a clash of heads with West Bromwich Albion striker Marc-Antoine Fortune on Tuesday and was left temporarily blind in one eye. [LNB]The Scotland defender played the final stages of the game in agony because Wigan had used all their substitutes. [LNB] Captain's job: Caldwell is willing to play through the pain barrier for the Latics[LNB]He is determined to lead his team's survival fight and will play in a mask today if needed. [LNB]'He knew it was bad at the time because there was a depression and a big dent in his face,' said Wigan boss Roberto Martinez, whose side are second from bottom with one win in 11 games. [LNB]'He knew that it wasn't just a knock but he knew he had to stay on the pitch. 'He had an operation on Thursday and everything went really well. It's a matter now to get a mask and get him back on the football pitch as fast as we can. [LNB]Getting a grip: Caldwell puts football before everything [LNB]'I know he will want to be involved and from a medical point of view he could play against Blackburn if we get the right protection. I think it is a big risk and we will assess it properly. [LNB]'In the modern game it is very rare for someone to want to play again so quickly. You don't get many players with Gary's mentality. [LNB]'His life is about being on the football pitch and he is prepared to put his body on the line for Wigan Athletic.' [LNB]Blackburn head for the DW Stadium without chairman John Williams, who yesterday confirmed his decision to leave the club after 14 years following the takeover by Venky's. [LNB]Williams's future has been in doubt since the new Indian owners sacked manager Sam Allardyce in December. [LNB]He said: 'There is a new order, a new way of doing things and I believe the time is right for me now to move on.' [LNB]Blackburn captain Chris Samba, who threatened to leave following Allardyce's departure before agreeing a new contract, said: 'John was a big fan of the club before he became a big man at the club so it's very sad for us. [LNB]'Every time we had a problem or something in our heart, we spoke to John. But he has gone and it will be a bit empty without him around. 'It's difficult to imagine him not at the club, or the club going forward without him.' Wigan blow as as captain Caldwell suffers fractured cheekboneJonathan Routledge joins Hamilton after Wigan cancel contractWest Brom 2 Wigan 2: A touch of Fortune halts the slide for AlbionAll the latest Wigan news, features and opinion[LNB] Explore more:People: John Williams, Marc Antoine Fortune, Sam Allardyce, Gary Caldwell, Roberto Martinez Places: Scotland
