Wigan winger Callum McManaman has been ruled out of England's European Under-21 Championship campaign with an ankle injury.
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McManaman, 22, helped the Latics win the FA Cup last Saturday before suffering Premier League relegation with Roberto Martinez's team.
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He received his first Under-21 call-up on Tuesday, but misses the tournament after a week of mixed emotions.
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"We have been fortunate - he doesn't need surgery," said manager Martinez.
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Callum McManaman factfile
Born: 25 April 1991 in Liverpool
Debut: For Wigan v Portsmouth in May 2009
Career appearances: 56
Career goals: 10
Previous clubs: Everton (youth level) Blackpool (loan)
International recognition: England Under-20s
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"That is very encouraging because we feared the worst. I think he is going to be out for two-and-a-half to three months."
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Liverpool-born McManaman produced a man-of-the- match display as Wigan won the FA Cup for the first time in their history with a 1-0 win against favourites Manchester City.
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Three days later, he was named in England's squad for the European Under-21 Championship, which takes place in Israel next month, after impressing coach Stuart Pearce with his recent form.
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But later on Tuesday, he was part of the Wigan side which was beaten 4-1 against Arsenal to seal the club's relegation to the Championship after eight seasons in the top flight.
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McManaman was taken off on a stretcher at Emirates Stadium following a second-half challenge by Gunners defender Laurent Koscielny.
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Wigan end their Premier League campaign with a home game against Aston Villa on Sunday.
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"As you can imagine it is a massive blow for someone who deserved more than anyone to have a good send-off to the season at the DW Stadium on Sunday," added Martinez.
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"Callum is disappointed but it's such a joy to see him playing his football. It's a joy for everyone. For me he's been one of the sparks of the season, and not just at Wigan.
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"He's a real diamond of English football. He's got no reason to feel down at all."
He just popped up out of the blues to become a very important player in that Wigan team. He is a fantastic footballer right about now.