On-loan Wigan midfielder Tom Cleverley could be available for this weekend's visit of Aston Villa after discovering he did not crack a rib in a clash with Everton's Marouane Fellaini.
The Manchester United youngster was forced off at half-time in the goalless draw at Goodison Park on Saturday and it was feared he had sustained a fracture. However, he has received good news on that front and could yet keep his place in the starting line-up to face Gerard Houllier's side.
"He's had an X-ray and there is no fracture, just bruising to the rib," Martinez told the Wigan Evening Post. "It's obviously still sore and painful but we're hoping Tom will react well to treatment and he should be in contention for the weekend."
He added: "We'll have a better idea at the end of the week but it's not the bad news we all feared.
"Knowing Tom and the way he always wants to be available, I would say he'll be available for selection."
Source: PA
