Premier League Injuries: Wigan to feel Figueroa loss

 

Maynor Figueroa, Darron Gibson and Eden Hazard will all be big misses for their clubs this weekend...

 

Maynor Figueroa (West Brom v Wigan, Saturday, 15:00)

Balancing Premier League survival with his preparations for a first ever FA Cup final next weekend was a hard enough task for Roberto Martinez without losing one of his most experienced defenders. 30-year-old Honduran left-back Figueroa picked up a groin injury during Wigan's 2-2 draw with Tottenham on Saturday and scans have now confirmed he'll miss the rest of this season at least. Figueroa has been an absolute stalwart in an often injury-ravaged backline this season, only missing one of the Latics' 34 Premier League games, as well as being one of only three squad members to start all six FA Cup games. Given Wigan's string of other defensive injuries, Figueroa will be sorely missed.

Recommended Bet: Back West Brom to beat Wigan @ 2.48

 

Darren Gibson (Liverpool v Everton, Sunday, 13:30)

Everton's Irish international midfielder has endured a frustrating campaign in 2012/13, having been limited to just 19 top-flight starts and only 23 appearances in all competitions. Gibson's latest knock, believed to be a thigh injury, saw him replaced at half-time during Everton's last away day at Sunderland, a game which they went on to lose 1-0. Next up is a trip to fierce rivals Liverpool where Gibson remains a major doubt, spelling bad news for Everton, who could really do with his calming influence in midfield during a derby where circumstances - the Reds are five points behind - denote that the hosts will come flying at them. In the eight league games that Gibson had featured in against the other top-seven sides, Everton only lost once, to Manchester United.

Recommended Bet: Back Liverpool to win @ 1.98

 

Eden Hazard (Manchester United v Chelsea, Sunday, 16:00)

Aside from Chelsea's wonder goal-conjuring centre-back David Luiz, the Blues' best performer in the latter part of the season has been Hazard. The fleet-footed Belgian has been gliding around the pitch at lightning speed reminiscent of his first few weeks of the campaign; perhaps he is solar powered? His performance against Liverpool in Chelsea's last league away day was head and shoulders above any other player in blue and it's noticeable that his partners in crime, Oscar and Juan Mata, have been more affected by the record-breaking fixture pile up than him. If he's declared unfit for the visit to Old Trafford, Chelsea's attack will suffer.

Recommended Bet: Back the draw @ 3.6

 

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