Bolton Wanderers manager Ian Evatt says he hopes to have first choice goalkeeper Nathan Baxter back after the international break.
The 25-year-old had started all eight of the Trotters’ League One fixtures this season before missing the 2-2 draw with Shrewsbury Town on Saturday. This saw Luke Southwood come in for his first league start since joining the club in the summer following his departure from Cheltenham Town.
Baxter arrived at the Toughsheet Community Stadium from Chelsea in 2023, making 43 appearances in all competitions in his first season. It offered the shot stopper his first degree of stability, having spent much of the previous seven campaigns out on various different loan spells. It was this experience that convinced Bolton to offer him a two-year deal, which is set to expire next summer.
The most recent injury complaint is his second since joining the club, having missed two months of action with a wrist issue between February and March this year. However, he was thrust straight back into first team action upon his return to help Bolton secure a play-off place, where they were defeated in the final by Oxford United.
With the international break upon us, it appears as if Saturday’s game could be the only piece of league action Baxter will miss, although he will be absent for tomorrow’s Bristol Street Motor’s clash against Aston Villa under-21s. Speaking to The Bolton News, manager Ian Evatt said:
“Nathan has got a grade two thigh injury which probably needs two to three weeks.
“Post the international break, we are hoping we will be back fit and available. Sprinting out for that ball at Northampton, he just felt his quad. It is nothing major but it was enough to keep him out on Saturday.
“We have recalled Luke Hutchinson, he will get a chance in the first team. He has been doing really well out on loan and deserves an opportunity. He will be playing in goal.”
Luke Hutchinson now looks set to appear in tomorrow night’s squad having starred on loan with National League North outfit Marine.
Writer’s View
If there was ever a good time for a short term injury, it is now. Bolton’s clash with Stevenage this weekend has been postponed due to international call-ups, meaning that their next outing in League One isn’t until 19th October, where they host Burton Albion. Evatt has given Baxter a two-three week recovery timeline, which tends to fit in with that date when you factor in the time he has already spent on the sidelines.
He is a huge part of the Trotters’ squad and a long-term injury to their current number one would be a huge blow. He missed 13 games last season, which coincided with an increase in goals conceded. During this time, they shipped 18 goals, with the goalkeeper immediately keeping a clean sheet upon his return. They also conceded twice against a struggling Shewsbury side at the weekend, meaning the manager will be hoping he can call upon his services in just under a fortnight’s time.
