ROBERTO Martinez will give new-boy Ivan Ramis every chance to make his Wigan Athletic debut against Chelsea on Sunday.
The centre-back, a £4m arrival from Real Mallorca, picked up a hamstring injury during the first half of Wigan’s final pre-season friendly at Celta Vigo last weekend.
Scans have cleared Ramis of any serious damage, but he has been wrapped in cotton wool this week ahead of the big kick-off. And Martinez is optimistic he’ll be able to field his fellow Spaniard when the European champions visit the DW.
“Ivan felt his hamstring go a little tight and had to come off, but we have had him assessed and there is no tear,” Martinez told the Evening Post.
“We are hoping he managed to get off the field before he did any lasting damage.
“He obviously knows his own body better than anyone, and he was quick to get the message across that he had to come off.
“It was just a reaction rather than a tear – and that can sometimes happen with things like a change of football club and different training methods.
“I would say, knowing his character and the way he is, I’m confident he’ll be fit to play.
“Ivan is a quick healer, and I’m hopeful he can play a big part on Sunday. It would take a lot for Ivan to not be available.”
Martinez does at least have an otherwise fully-fit squad to choose from including Maynor Figueroa, who has rejoined the group following his exertions at the Olympics.
