The news broke yesterday that new Bolton signing Joe Bunney had been involved in a horrific car accident that will leave the left-back out of action for some time.
Joe Bunney, who had recently signed from Northampton Town and has not played a minute of football for the team yet, looked to be the solution to Wanderers’ recent left-back problems but after suffering broken ribs and a broken collarbone in the reported road traffic accident, Bolton are left without a first-team left-back once again.
We, of course, wish Joe a full and speedy recovery but his injuries have left new Bolton boss Keith Hill with a tough decision to make, who fills in at left-back?
- How Bolton Wanderers could line up this season
- 39 league matches remaining: Bolton’s season starts now
- Which Bolton youngsters deserve to keep their place?
Just when things started looking up for Bolton as new owners, a new manager and nine new players came through the door, Wanderers’ awful luck with injuries struck again.
The injury to Joe Bunney, which could keep the defender out of action for several months, means he will join Preston loanee Josh Earl on the sidelines leaving Bolton with limited options at left-back.
MORE BOLTON STORIES
The question facing new Bolton boss Keith Hill is just who will he pick to fill-in in Joe Bunney’s place?
- Ups and downs: The pros and cons of opening the UniBol’s upper tiers
- Stoke City fans livid as Wanderers sign Thibaud Verlinden
- Meet the team: Bolton’s nine deadline day signings
The most obvious answer would probably be 17-year-old Joe White who has occupied that position throughout most of the season so far and handled himself well enough.
Apart from him, there is the chance that versatile midfielder Jason Lowe could make the switch to left-back as he’s been used frequently as a backup in the full-back position.
If neither of these options appeals to manager Keith Hill, either Bolton will be forced to recruit an out-of-work left-back or change up the whole formation and play three at the back, leaving wingers Dennis Politic and Thibaud Verlinden to fill in at wing-back.
Either way, the decision now rests with Keith Hill and, as mentioned, we hope to see Joe Bunney fit and well enough to play in no time.