Bolton Wanderers manager Ian Evatt has confirmed that attacker Carlos Mendes Gomes is in contention for a return to the squad for tomorrow’s League One trip to Charlton Athletic.
The 24-year-old has been out of action since early September having suffered a hamstring injury in the EFL trophy win over Salford City, where he scored his first goal for the club. Although the issue was thought to be fairly innocuous at first, it was later revealed that he would miss six weeks of action when Evatt confirmed the strain was worse than it was initially thought.
The Trotters have suffered their fair share of injury concerns this season, but the pre-season promotion favourites have still managed to maintain their form and currently sit fourth after 13 games. They are six points behind league leaders Portsmouth, although the southerners have played a game more.
Players have started to return to the fold in recent weeks, but the gaffer has now confirmed that Mendes Gomes is available once again after returning to full training this week. Speaking to the official club website, the 41-year-old said;
“We’ve been suffering with some injuries but we’re getting back towards what looks like full strength now.
“Carlos has trained today which is great news so he’s almost back as well. Whether he’s is fit enough to be involved on Saturday I haven’t made my mind up yet, but he’s trained fully today and he’s fine so that’s good news as well.”
The former Morecambe star has yet to start a league game since his summer switch from Luton Town, having spent last season on loan at Fleetwood Town. His return to the squad will bolster Bolton’s attacking options over what is set to be a hectic period in the run up to the end of the year.
Writer’s View
Ian Evatt will not rush Mendes Gomes into action and it would be a surprise to see him feature at all tomorrow following his latest injury layoff. Instead, he will be wary of the number of games coming and is likely to ease him back into contention.
The injury came at the worst possible time for the winger, who had had to patiently wait for his opportunity to break into the team. His performance in the EFL Trophy win over Salford City showed exactly what he can offer, contributing to all three goals. However, he only penned a three-year deal at the Toughsheet Community Stadium in the summer and he has plenty of time to make an impact.
Head of Writing
