Bristol Rovers face a nervous wait over the fitness of top scorer Chris Martin after head coach Inigo Calderon admitted the striker’s knee problem could be worse than first feared.
The 36-year-old missed Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Crawley Town – his third absence in four games – and concerns are now mounting that he could be sidelined longer than expected. Initially described as a minor knock, Martin’s condition has not improved as hoped.
Calderon Admits to Setback in Recovery
Martin returned briefly to action earlier this month, netting a brace in a 3-2 win over Bolton Wanderers. However, he has since missed back-to-back fixtures, with Calderon providing a bleak update on the situation following the loss to Crawley.
“I don’t think it’s looking too good at the moment,” said Calderon. “We’ll have to check this week. Probably [then] we will know more. But yeah, I thought he was closer but now I don’t think he’s going to be that close.”
The veteran forward, who has scored five league goals this season, is one of the few reliable attacking options at the club. His absence is particularly damaging as Rovers continue to fight for survival in League One, with only eight fixtures remaining.
Calderon’s side is already short on firepower. Promise Omochere has been ruled out for the season with a hamstring issue, and Ruel Sotiriou missed the Crawley clash due to international duty with Cyprus. It meant attacking midfielder Isaac Hutchinson was deployed up front in the absence of a recognised striker.
Martin, whose career includes stints at Norwich City, Derby County and Bristol City, signed for the Gas in 2023. With his contract expiring this summer, the long-term future of the Scotland international remains uncertain, though his experience could prove vital in the run-in – if he’s available.
Writer’s View
Chris Martin’s potential long-term absence couldn’t come at a worse time for Bristol Rovers. With goals already in short supply and others missing or out of form, his leadership and instinct in the box are irreplaceable. Calderon now faces the unenviable task of patching together a makeshift attack for a survival battle – but without their talisman, the task just got significantly harder.
