Why Bolton Wanderers could switch targets if Hamburgs Xav Amaechi is injured long term

WANDERERS may have to alter their transfer plans if Xavier Amaechi’s injury leaves him out of action long-term.

Speaking this afternoon, Ian Evatt said he was still waiting on scans of the Hamburg winger’s foot, which was damaged in Tuesday evening’s victory against Preston North End.

It is feared that a broken metatarsal could rule Amaechi out for around two months, and could alter Evatt’s plans to bring in more attacking players before the end of the transfer window.

“Depending on what happens with Xav, it could alter the rest of our transfer plans,” said the Wanderers boss.

“We are waiting on the consultant for the scan and should have some answers as some point today.

“He is slightly better but still very sore, so we are waiting to hear what happens.”

Wanderers had several first team players missing in midweek, with Evatt admitting that covid isolations had become an issue.

Declan John, Lloyd Isgrove, Matt Gilks and Kieran Lee were absent from the squad at Leyland.

The club has adopted a policy not to name individual cases but Evatt has confirmed that both Eoin Doyle and Dennis Politic have returned to full training and could be selected for this weekend’s trip to Barrow.

“We are doing the best we can with it but Eoin is back in today,” he said. “He is much better and will have to get back up to speed but he will be available for Saturday.

“Dennis is out and back training. He has tried to get himself back up to where he was prior to the quarantine. Physically, there has not really been any effect. He has recovered really well, it is just about building up the strength in his legs now to the levels he was prior to the isolation.”

Evatt is keen to limit risk within the squad on Covid and as fans prepare to return to the UniBol this weekend for a family fun day, hopes the rise in national cases will not prove too damaging.

“We are just a small part of what it a worldwide picture,” he said. “Everyone has problems, everyone is facing difficulties and we are no different. It’s not ideal and we are in the lap of the gods a little bit with the way the pandemic is spreading and how it will in the future, all we can do is control the controllable and hope for that bit of luck.

“Hopefully, we can avoid is for the most part as a squad but ultimately it is about taking responsibility, following the rules and limiting the risk by following the government guidelines.”

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