Owen Coyle believes Ivan Klasnic will not face Stoke, while Stuart Holden and Gretar Steinsson are touch and go.
Klasnic set to miss Stoke date, Holden and Steinsson touch and go
Bolton boss Owen Coyle believes Ivan Klasnic will not be available to face Stoke this weekend, while Stuart Holden and Gretar Steinsson are touch and go.
Klasnic netted a late winner against the Potters at the Reebok in October but is set to miss the return fixture after being substituted at half time in the FA Cup win over York.
Gretar Steinsson and Stuart Holden both missed the tricky cup tie against the Minstermen but could be fit for Saturday, although Coyle is not definitely counting on them.
The Bolton boss told the club's
official website on Thursday: "Stuart Holden and Gretar Steinsson are both probably going to be touch and go.
"We would hope that they come through training today but then there's always a chance of a reaction, so only time will tell.
"Ivan Klasnic came off against York with a groin injury and it looks as though he won't be available.
"We may be short of numbers but we're not short on quality and we've got to look to show that in the remaining games in the league."
Tough test
Bolton won on their last visit to the Britannia courtesy of two late Matt Taylor goals and Coyle knows the seventh-placed Trotters will have to be at their best to win there again.
He added: "Stoke City are a terrific side and sit just below us in the league. The Britannia has been a real fortress for them in recent years but we'll go there in good spirits recognising that we'll have to be at our very best.
"We're in for a tough afternoon but equally I would hope Stoke know that they're also in for a tough afternoon. They're a quality Barclays Premier League side and we know we'll have to be at our very best.
"We came through a tough cup tie against a very good York City side. Now we've got to look to progress."
While Coyle has been praised for the style of football he has introduced at the Reebok, he says it is a results business and he wants to improve on a 14th place finish last term.
"Ultimately I want the ball to move along the grass and be pleasing on the eye for the supporters," Coyle added.
"They work hard all week and pay a lot of good money to watch Barclays Premier League football.
Judged
"But I also believe by playing in that style you can win football matches. Ultimately as a manager you'll be judged on results.
"People may say we are higher in the league table than they expected, but I've stressed to the players that whatever competition we're in we want to reach our maximum and play to our potential.
"We want to improve on where we finished last season. Now, at this stage of the season we're above that but we're only at the halfway stage.
"We can't effect what's already happened this season but instead look to improve and progress for the remaining months."
