Bristol Rovers will be without in-form striker Ruel Sotiriou for their crucial relegation battle against Crawley Town this Saturday.
The Cypriot forward has been called up for international duty and will miss the trip to Broadfield Stadium as his national team faces San Marino and Bosnia & Herzegovina in World Cup qualifiers. His absence leaves manager Inigo Calderon short of attacking options at a crucial stage in the season.
Sotiriou, who struggled early in his Rovers career, has been a revelation under Calderon, scoring four goals in 2025 and establishing himself as the club’s joint-top scorer. His recent form—two goals and an assist in the last five matches—has made him a key figure in the team’s fight to stay in League One.
Striker Shortage a Growing Concern
With Sotiriou unavailable, Calderon faces a dilemma up front. Veteran striker Chris Martin remains the club’s most experienced goal threat, but injuries elsewhere in the squad have left Bristol Rovers alarmingly short of options.
Promise Omochere has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a hamstring injury, while Gatlin O’Donkor is also sidelined. Young forward Ollie Dewsbury, who made a substitute appearance in last weekend’s 5-0 defeat to Lincoln City, may also be unavailable due to international duty with Wales’ youth teams.
This could leave Michael Reindorf, who has yet to feature since joining on loan from Cardiff City in January, as the only fit striking option alongside Martin.
Ruel Sotiriou Career So Far
Sotiriou began his career at Leyton Orient, making his first-team debut in October 2017. He gained experience through multiple loan spells at clubs including Heybridge Swifts, Leatherhead, Chelmsford City, and Dover Athletic, where he impressed by scoring on several debuts. Returning to Orient, he made his Football League debut in December 2019, scoring against Colchester United.
In March 2022, after scoring six goals in eight matches, he won the EFL League Two Player of the Month award. Following the 2023–24 season, he was offered a new contract but instead joined Bristol Rovers on 26 June 2024. He scored his first goal for the club in September and improved his form in the second half of the season, crediting the change in management under Iñigo Calderón.
Writer’s View
Rovers’ struggles in front of goal have been a defining issue this season, and losing Sotiriou for such an important match is a huge blow. Calderon will now have to rely on Chris Martin’s experience, but the lack of depth could prove costly. If Rovers are to secure safety, they must find a way to win without their main attacking threat.
