Figueroa loss “a major blow” rues Wigan chief Whelan

by Rob MacDonald. Published Mon 09 Nov 2009 13:01

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has been speaking about the ups and downs of his club’s start to the season.

Although it has been somewhat of an inconsistent season so far, with morale-boosting wins against Chelsea and Aston Villa tempered by inexplicable losses to Hull and Portsmouth, Whelan is nevertheless happy with the progress Martinez is making.

He has been particularly impressed with the performances of left-back Maynor Figueroa. However, he has bemoaned the young Honduran’s loss to a knee injury picked up in the win at Burnley which will keep him out until the end of the year.

Speaking to the Manchester Evening News: “It is a major blow to have lost our talented left-back, Maynor Figueroa.

“What a quality player this lad is.

“Top left-sided players are still something of a rarity and I feel Figueroa is up there with the best. He just keeps improving every week.

“We certainly missed him at Portsmouth last week. The 4-0 defeat was disappointing, but it's been a tough start for us and we're heading in the right direction.”