Verlinden could give Bolton a boost

Posted Friday, November 15, 2019 by PA

Thibaud Verlinden could return for Bolton when they host MK Dons on Saturday in League One.

The on-loan winger missed last week’s FA Cup loss to Plymouth, reportedly at the insistence of his parent club Stoke, having returned from injury against Fleetwood the previous week.

Jack Hobbs, Liam Bridcutt and Will Buckley have not featured since early October but manager Keith Hill would not be drawn on individual players’ availability – telling the club’s official website – “as (the injury situation) clears up, it also gets worse” and that “silent assassin” injuries are affecting key players such as Hobbs.

Josh Earl returned as a substitute against Argyle, but Ali Crawford missed out with a knee injury for the second game in succession.

Striker Joe Mason is vying for his MK Dons league debut after stepping his return to fitness.

The summer signing picked up a hamstring injury before the season started but has appeared off the bench in the last two cup matches.

Kieran Agard was sent off against Wycombe in midweek but his suspension is specific to the Leasing.com Trophy, meaning he will be available on Saturday.

Rhys Healey (thigh) and Sam Nombe (knee) are coming back from long-term issues and are still several weeks away from being ready.