Martinez: Alcaraz needs a break

Alcaraz could be missing until late October after scans confirmed he tore a muscle in his leg during last weekend's Premier League game at Swansea. The 29-year-old Paraguay international lasted only 37 minutes in the 0-0 draw at the Liberty Stadium before being replaced by Ronnie Stam. Latics boss Roberto Martinez told the club's official website he believes Alcaraz may have played too much football since his move from Club Brugge in 2010. He said: "I think Antolin has been the victim of his own success as the amount of games he has had to play in the last two seasons is phenomenal. "He played in the World Cup, didn't have too much rest and started a very demanding season in the Premier League before joining Paraguay again for the Copa America. "He is in a situation now where having six to seven weeks away from football pitches will be a good thing - he is a real asset as everyone knows he is one of the best centre-halves in the Premier League." With fellow defender Steve Gohouri also still sidelined due to a calf problem it remains to be seen if Martinez enters the transfer market for a new defender before the window closes on Wednesday.