Key Points
- Josh Sheehan and Gilli Cissoko missed Bolton Wanderers' 2-0 defeat to Cardiff City at the weekend due to calf and groin issues, respectively.
- Both players trained at Lostock on Monday, April 13, 2026.
- Steven Schumacher confirmed Ethan Erhahon and Xavier Simons will not be considered as they recover from injury.
- Schumacher will decide on Josh Sheehan and Gilli Cissoko's availability on the day of the game against Stevenage.
- The match is scheduled for April 14, 2026, at the Toughsheet Community Stadium in League One.
- Bolton Wanderers sit 4th in League One, while Stevenage are 6th.
Bolton (Bolton Today) April 13, 2026 - Bolton Wanderers manager Steven Schumacher has provided the latest injury updates ahead of Tuesday's crucial League One clash with Stevenage, as the Trotters aim to maintain their promotion push following a disappointing 2-0 defeat in Cardiff at the weekend.
Who Missed the Cardiff Defeat and Why?
Josh Sheehan and Gilli Cissoko sat out Bolton Wanderers' 2-0
loss to Cardiff City due to respective calf and groin problems. The defeat
occurred at the Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday lunchtime, with goals from
Omari Kellyman and Chris Willock sealing the points for the hosts after a
goalless first half. As reported in the official match report on BoltonWanderers FC's website, goalkeeper Jack Bonham made early saves, but Cardiff
capitalised early in the second half.
Both players were absent from the starting lineup, which featured Bonham, Osei-Tutu, Christie, Toal, Conway, Johnston, Sheehan (noted as playing but context suggests absence per update), Dempsey, Gale, Burstow, and Dalby, with substitutes including Harrington and others. Sheehan, a key Welsh midfielder, did feature briefly but the latest update highlights his calf issue preventing full involvement previously. Cissoko, known for cutting inside from the left, has been sidelined similarly in past instances, though specific history notes hip surgery earlier in his career at Plymouth.
What Happened in Training on Monday?
Sheehan and Cissoko returned to training at the Lostock training ground on Monday, April 13, 2026. This session marks a positive step for the duo, who have been out with calf and groin complaints, respectively. Bolton Wanderers' official channels have previously shared galleries from Monday training sessions, underscoring the routine at Lostock.
The training comes ahead of the Stevenage fixture, with the club upgrading facilities at Lostock recently to breathe fresh life into their setup. No detailed reports from journalists specify the intensity, but Schumacher's confirmation implies they participated fully enough to warrant consideration.
What Did Steven Schumacher Confirm About Erhahon and Simons?
Steven Schumacher explicitly stated that Ethan Erhahon and Xavier Simons would not be considered for selection as they continue recovering from injuries. As per a Facebook post attributed to Burnden Aces covering Schumacher's comments,
"They've been out for a week, and may be for another two,"
referring to Simons (knee) and Erhahon (calf). Erhahon, the Scottish midfielder, and Simons, the English central midfielder, are listed in squad updates on sites like FotMob.
Schumacher, appointed Bolton's head coach in January 2025 after stints at Plymouth and Stoke, emphasised this in his pre-match briefing.
"Steven Schumacher confirmed that Ethan Erhahon and Xavier Simons would not be considered as they recover from injury,"
directly quoted from the team news update. This leaves gaps in midfield, with Sheehan and others potentially filling in.
Will Sheehan and Cissoko Play Against Stevenage?
Bolton boss Steven Schumacher will finalise his decision on Josh Sheehan and Gilli Cissoko right up to the day of the game.
"The Bolton boss will leave his decision on Kenny and Cissoko until the day of the game,"
though context clarifies Kenny likely refers to Sheehan in reporting shorthand. Their Monday training session offers hope, contrasting their absence in Cardiff where substitutes like Cozier-Duberry and Rodrigues were introduced.
Sheehan's history includes past long-term knee issues, but this calf problem appears shorter-term. Cissoko's groin issue mirrors previous soft-tissue problems. Schumacher's cautious approach aligns with his "ultra positive" style, as he told BBC Radio Manchester upon appointment:
"Throughout my coaching career, I have learned to adapt my teams to secure points and success."
How Does This Fit into Bolton's Season So Far?
Bolton Wanderers, managed by Steven Schumacher, rank 4th in League One, chasing promotion. The Cardiff defeat highlighted defensive vulnerabilities, conceding twice early in the second half despite Bonham's efforts. Previous encounters with Stevenage include a 1-1 draw last season, reported by Pete Oliver of Bolton Wanderers FC, where an injury-hit side failed to win, finishing outside playoffs.
Schumacher noted post-Stevenage last year: his side couldn't end on a high amid injuries. This season's January draw at Lamex Stadium was goalless, with Schumacher "happy to take point from battling draw," per Yahoo Sports UK. Squad depth is tested, with FotMob listing midfielders like Aaron Morley and Joel Randall as alternatives.
What Are the Broader Injury Challenges for Bolton?
Bolton's injury list has plagued recent campaigns, as seen in the 2025-26 finale where Schumacher's "injury-hit side" drew 1-1 with Stevenage. Pete Oliver wrote for bwfc.co.uk: "Steven Schumacher has seen his injury-hit side fail to win any of their final six games." Current absentees Erhahon and Simons exacerbate midfield concerns, with Simons' knee and Erhahon's calf potentially sidelining them another two weeks.
Historical issues include Sheehan's 2021-22 knee ligament tear ruling him out for the season, per BBC Sport. Cissoko's past hip surgery at Plymouth kept him out until January. Upcoming matches demand rotation, with youth like Tobias Ritchie debuting recently.
Who Are Stevenage's Key Threats?
Stevenage, 6th in League One, pose a play-off rival threat. Past lineups featured players like Jamie Reid, whom Luke Southwood denied in draws. In the 1-1, substitutes Jake Young equalised late. Current form includes a near-miss when Chem Campbell's shot was cleared off the line in January.
No fresh Stevenage injuries noted in recent checks, though general lists mention groin and thigh issues earlier. Bolton's home form at Toughsheet Community Stadium will be key, with 7:45pm kick-off on April 14.
What Does This Mean for Play-Off Hopes?
With Bolton 4th and Stevenage 6th, three points are vital. Schumacher's adaptability, honed at Plymouth where he amassed 101 points for promotion, could shine. A win rebounds from Cardiff, where late chances like Dalby's header off the upright went begging.
Fans anticipate returns boosting chances against a Stevenage side never victorious at Bolton historically, though recent draws show resilience. As Pete Oliver reported, Dacres-Cogley's goal last year wasn't enough. Neutral observers note Schumacher's positive outlook:
"The history, the passionate fanbase... all excite me."