Steven Schumacher set for big Bolton Wanderers boost - Sam Dalby may not like it | OneFootball

The Trotters could have another striker available before the end of next month.

Bolton Wanderers boss Steven Schumacher could be set for a major boost, with Victor Adeboyejo potentially returning to action as soon as next month.

The Trotters have enjoyed a fairly positive 2025/26 campaign so far, finding themselves sitting just outside the play-off places as they take a break from League One action to take on Huddersfield Town in the first round of the FA Cup this weekend.

A couple of Bolton's attacking players have been key so far this season, with on-loan striker Mason Burstow leading the race for the golden boot in the third tier with seven goals, while fellow loanee Amario Cozier-Duberry has been one of the standout players in the division.

Schumacher also has the likes of Marcus Forss, John McAtee and Sam Dalby at his disposal this term, so Bolton should have more than enough firepower to be involved in the promotion picture at the end of the season.

Now, the Bolton boss might be set to have his attacking options strengthened further, as Victor Adeboyejo could be in line for a return to action next month following a spell on the sidelines with an ACL injury, as per Pete O'Rourke via X.

Adeboyejo return could be a blow for Sam Dalby

Wrexham AFC striker Sam Dalby celebrates scoring against Coventry City in the FA Cup

While the news of Adeboyejo's return will no doubt be seen as a positive for most people associated with Bolton, summer signing Sam Dalby may have concerns that added competition up front could hinder the progress he has been making in recent weeks.

The former Wrexham striker has only made one league start since joining the Whites in June, but having headed home an important equaliser during the away win at Huddersfield a couple of weeks ago, he may well have been hoping to enjoy a more significant role in Schumacher's squad during upcoming fixtures.

Now, with Adeboyejo potentially poised to return to action in November, Dalby has another forward to compete with for a starting spot.

The target man will surely be desperate for an opportunity to show what he is capable of from the start against Huddersfield in the FA Cup on Saturday, especially considering he made such a crucial impact against the same opponents recently.

Schumacher will certainly welcome the added competition for places, even if he may soon have a selection headache with Burstow, Forss, McAtee, Dalby and Adeboyejo all competing for minutes.

Adeboyejo return could come at a good time for Bolton

As per O'Rourke's report, Adeboyejo is aiming to return to action in November, which could give Bolton another goalscoring option at a really good time.

It seems unlikely that the Trotters will rush the Nigerian's reintroduction, considering they have plenty of options in the final third, but having him available during the second half of next month could be a real boost.

Bolton will face fellow promotion chasers Stevenage, Bradford City and Luton Town during a vital run of games in November, so having an extra attacking threat available could be a difference-maker.

Adeboyejo has scored 17 goals in 99 games for the Wanderers, so he will be hoping to mark his 100th appearance for the club with another important strike, as he could well return in a hugely important game in the promotion race.

The striker's physical presence and link-up play will give Schumacher a different option up front, and while his return may be a blow to Dalby's hopes of nailing down a place in the starting eleven, it could prove to be a real boost for Bolton overall.