Bristol Rovers head coach Inigo Calderon has revealed Gatlin O’Donkor is set for an extended spell on the sidelines with injury.
The Oxford United loanee, who has scored twice for the club, came off injured in Rovers’ crucial 3-1 victory over Peterborough United earlier in the month, and didn’t recover to make the squad for the club’s game against Stockport County in midweek. Following that game, a 1-1 draw, the injury was revealed to be a muscle issue which will keep the forward out for a considerable period of the rest of the season.
Speaking to Bristol Live, new Rovers boss Inigo Calderon said, “I would say more than a month. Probably a bit more. So it’s not what we wanted but it’s why you have a squad and trust in everyone.”
The news is a blow for the League One side, who are now even more stretched in attacking areas. O’Donkor, who had been deputising up front, joins new signing Promise Omechere on the sidelines long-term, which leaves the club with only two options up front with no transfer window to fall back on. EFL veteran Chris Martin and youngster Michael Reindorf are now the only options going forward until the other two return, with Rovers fighting for their lives in League One.
The Gasheads currently find themselves 19th in the league after an inconsistent run, but have opened up a bit of a buffer to the relegation zone. Fans will be hoping they continue in that way without 20-year-old O’Donkor, and that they can avoid getting sucked back into the relegation fight.
Writer’s View
O’Donkor’s injury is a real blow to Bristol Rovers. They have picked up slightly under Calderon and O’Donkor had been a part of that, having had a run in the team due to injuries. Now he is also on the sidelines, Rovers are extremely stretched in forward areas, so can’t afford any more absences. Fans will be hoping the club’s other options can fill in well and bring Rovers further away from the drop zone as the season enters its closing months. Luckily, O’Donkor will be back for the end of the campaign, but he will need to hit the ground running on his return.
