Bolton Wanderers man’s future under Steven Schumacher may be already sealed thanks to Mason Burstow | OneFootball

Victor Adeboyejo is yet to return to action since suffering an ACL injury in February

Victor Adeboyejo's potential return from his ACL injury may come too late to secure his Bolton Wanderers future.

This is perhaps due to the impressive early-season form of one youngster in particular and the arrival of additional attacking reinforcements appearing to push the striker towards the exit door at the Toughsheet Community Stadium.

As for 27-year-old Adeboyejo, who has 17 goals in all competitions for the club in 99 appearances, he has been sidelined since suffering the devastating knee injury against Leyton Orient in February, with his expected return to full training not anticipated until November.

While Steven Schumacher has publicly backed the forward to "play a part" upon his recovery, the attacking situation at Bolton has changed tenfold during his long absence.

Mason Burstow's form could complicate Victor Adeboyejo's return to the Bolton Wanderers squad

Mason Burstow's loan arrival from Hull City in July has proven to be one of Steven Schumacher's shrewdest summer signings.

Disregarding the 'off day' against Northampton Town, the 22-year-old striker has hit the ground running at Bolton, netting five goals in ten league appearances to lead the club's scoring charts so far - being three in front of Amario Cozier-Duberry and Marcus Forss, who both have two.

Burstow's clinical finishing and intelligent movement have made him an instant favourite among the Trotters faithful, with his winner against Plymouth Argyle on his home debut setting the tone for what has certainly been an impressive start to his League One campaign.

Having struggled for consistent opportunities at Hull, where he managed just one goal in 31 Championship appearances last season - eight of those games being starts - the former Chelsea prospect has rediscovered his scoring touch under the guidance of the Bolton management team.

Schumacher has used his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation in every single one of Bolton's league games so far this season, which obviously only has room for one out-and-out striker.

Yes, Burstow is capable of playing on either flank, but if he continues his fine form leading the Lancashire club's line then it would definitely complicate Adeboyejo's path back into the first team picture.

The challenge facing Adeboyejo upon his return extends beyond just the form of Burstow - Schumacher has bolstered his attacking options significantly during the summer window, bringing in players who seemingly offer more variety than Adeboyejo's physical style of play.

Schumacher revealed on the 24th September that he's sure Adeboyejo "can play a part here" and described him as "such a good lad", but the presence of players like Sam Dalby and Marcus Forss might mean that part is too little for him to stay.

Dalby's arrival on a four-year deal from Wrexham came after he netted 15 goals in the Scottish Premiership for Dundee United, which earned him a spot in the league's Team of the Year.

Standing at 6ft 3in, Dalby offers physicality in a similar way to Adeboyejo, yet even he's not been able to start a league match ahead of Burstow.

Also, the deadline day acquisition of Marcus Forss on loan from Middlesbrough has added yet another bit of quality to the Trotters' forward line. The Finland international's immediate impact was evident in the derby day victory over Wigan Athletic, where he scored twice from the 'number ten' position.

These additions, combined with existing options like John McAtee and Joel Randall, who can also play in attacking midfield, show that Schumacher now has genuine depth and quality throughout his attack - and Adeboyejo can't really play anywhere other than up top.

Furthermore, Adeboyejo's contract situation might mean he looks at a January switch instead of game-time at Bolton - his current deal expires next summer.

This means the club surely must decide whether to offer him fresh terms or allow him to leave, either in January or as a free agent next summer.

From a business perspective, Bolton may view the winter window as their last opportunity to recoup any transfer fee for a player who joined for a reported £500k.

Factor in that ACL injuries are well-known to be among the most serious setbacks a footballer can face, Adeboyejo will probably need so much time to prove his worth of a new deal at Bolton - and Schumacher might not be able to afford to give him that.

Ultimately, the manager's comments about the Nigerian still having a future at the club suggest that no final decision has been made. However, the added emergence of Burstow as a genuine goal threat paired with the sheer number of bodies in attack may seal the former Barnsley man's fate for him.