Bolton Wanderers have suffered a significant early setback in their pre-season preparations with injuries to Sam Dalby and Will Forrester.
Both players are expected to miss the opening weeks of the 2025/26 League One campaign, with the club now weighing up striker options ahead of the new season.
Double Blow for Schumacher as Dalby and Forrester Sidelined
New signing Dalby, who arrived from Wrexham on a free transfer, has picked up a hamstring injury just days before Bolton’s first behind-closed-doors friendly. The 25-year-old had impressed in early training but remained in the UK to begin rehabilitation while the rest of the squad travelled to Spain.
Head coach Steven Schumacher confirmed the injury blow, stating Dalby will be out “for a little while” and is unlikely to feature before mid-August.
Adding to the Wanderers’ woes, centre-back Will Forrester has re-aggravated the same hamstring problem that kept him out during the final stretch of last season. Forrester suffered the recurrence just three days into pre-season training and, like Dalby, is expected to be sidelined for several more weeks.
“It’s not the best,” Schumacher admitted while speaking to The Bolton News. “You want everyone fit in pre-season because it sets you up. But what’s more important is we don’t rush them back and risk further breakdowns.”
With the injury to Dalby leaving the club light in the striking department, Schumacher may be forced to accelerate his search for another centre-forward. Bolton are currently pursuing a loan deal for Celtic striker Johnny Kenny, but are not expected to receive a decision on that move until later in the month.
In the meantime, young forward David Abimbola has joined the senior squad in Marbella and could feature in Friday’s friendly against South African side Orlando Pirates. John McAtee, who spent last season on loan at Barnsley, is another likely option to lead the line during the early part of pre-season.
Dalby had been seen as a smart pick-up by Wanderers after contributing significantly to Wrexham’s League Two campaign. The timing of his injury is a frustration, with the former Leeds United academy man expected to bring depth and physicality to the forward line.
For Forrester, the latest setback is a continuation of a frustrating run with injuries. The 23-year-old missed several key fixtures last season and is yet to enjoy a consistent run of games since his move from Stoke City in 2022.
Writer’s View
This isn’t the start Steven Schumacher would have wanted. Sam Dalby looked like an astute addition and, with Dion Charles having departed last season, his absence leaves Bolton short up top. Forrester’s continued struggles will also worry fans hoping for a settled back four.
While the club’s interest in Johnny Kenny shows ambition, this double injury blow might now accelerate recruitment efforts. If Wanderers are serious about challenging for promotion, they’ll need depth, fitness, and momentum — and right now, they’re short on all three.
