Steven Schumacher issues warning to two Bolton Wanderers players - 'the bottom line is' | OneFootball

Bolton Wanderers could have two players back for their next game against Bradford City, but they’re not nailed on to start

Bolton Wanderers manager Steven Schumacher has revealed that returning-from-injury duo Ethan Erhahon and Thierry Gale are not guaranteed a route back to first-team football.

The pair have been missing for the last handful of Trotters games, but are now returning to training and have time to get back up to speed, with the Greater Manchester side not in action until after the international break.

But that additional preparation time does not cement their return to action, which will come as somewhat of a shock, especially in terms of Erhahon, who has been a third tier regular for a few seasons now.

The strong words from Schumacher is a symptom of the side’s incredible form and general squad fitness, with key performers already operating in the pair’s place.

It’s going to be “really difficult” for Ethan Erhahon, Thierry Gale to get in the Bolton Wanderers squad: Steven Schumacher

Speaking of the injured pair, as quoted by The Bolton News, Schumacher said: “Bottom line is that it is going to be hard for them to get in the squad.

“We have had really good results, so we will just build them up, just see how they get on.”

That is an indisputable fact, with Bolton unbeaten in their last five games across League One, the FA Cup and the Vertu Trophy, including eye-catching victories against Cardiff City, and two 2-1 wins over Huddersfield Town.

“The honest truth is that we have lots of players available at the minute,” the Bolton boss admitted. “The competition for places is very high, and the lads are training really well too.

“By the time we get to the Bradford game, and touch wood we don’t pick up any injuries by then, but it is going to be really difficult just getting into the squad, not just the team.”

Steven Schumacher urges caution with injured players

Schumacher is in a fantastic position in terms of availability, with The Bolton News reckoning 28 players were in first-team training ahead of the Vertu Trophy clash with Oldham Athletic.

Erhahon has been out with a damaged thigh since Bolton’s 2-1 win over Peterborough United at the start of October, and Gale has been absent since around the same time with a knee issue; both injuries that are prone to flaring up.

For that reason, Schumacher has no need to rush the pair back in, and while they both might be frustrated to hear the manager’s comments, it may be the best thing for them.

“Thierry’s knee ligament injury is one that you have to be careful with and take your time,” the head coach said.

“Ethan’s was a tear in the thigh, so the plan was to get a couple of good days training in him, have the weekend off, then next week build him up again and see where we are at.”

Steven Schumacher’s enjoyable Bolton “headache” at present

Managers usually earn their stripes when times are tough.

But the best in the business are also noted for their ability to balance their squads in the good times; not overusing a winning formula to the point of breaking.

The combination of experience and youthful exuberance that Josh Sheehan and Xavier Simons off in the middle of the park will not make Erhahon’s return a walk in the park.

Gale may have an easier ride, having registered four goal involvements in 13 Bolton outings in all competitions, with the likes of loanee Ibrahim Cissoko yet to hit the headline stats in the league in his absence.

Nevertheless, the winger will have his work cut out if he wants to usurp the attention being showered on Amario Cozier-Duberry on the other flank, who’s managed seven goals and seven assists in 17 appearances in all competitions.

“Last week, I had to leave three or four really good players out completely,” Schumacher said. “It’s tough, but on one hand, it’s great, because we know that standard is pushing us.

“It’s a headache I can enjoy.

“It’s a really tough run of games coming up and then you’ve got cup games thrown in as well, so as I’ve said all along, we are going to need everyone.”