Callum McManaman: Wigan winger out of England Under-21s

Wigan winger Callum McManaman has been ruled out of England's European Under-21 Championship campaign with an ankle injury.

McManaman, 22, helped the Latics win the FA Cup last Saturday before suffering Premier League relegation with Roberto Martinez's team.

He received his first Under-21 call-up on Tuesday, but misses the tournament after a week of mixed emotions.

"We have been fortunate - he doesn't need surgery," said manager Martinez.

"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."

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.

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.

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.

McManaman was taken off on a stretcher at Emirates Stadium following a second-half challenge by Gunners defender Laurent Koscielny.

Wigan end their Premier League campaign with a home game against Aston Villa on Sunday.

"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.

"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.

"He's a real diamond of English football. He's got no reason to feel down at all."