Key Points
- Ian Holloway provides injury updates on key Bolton Wanderers players including Ollie Palmer, Ryan Tafazolli, and Paul Glatzel.
- Holloway describes challenges with December fixtures and the squad's fitness concerns.
- Injury setbacks include a hamstring for Glatzel and absence of Darren Oldaker due to injury.
- Suspension issues affect the squad, including a left-side vacancy if Tafazolli is unfit.
- Holloway calls back young players as contingency for the matchday squad.
- Manager expresses respect for Steven Schumacher and his well-coached Swindon Town side.
- Emphasises the competitive nature of the cup fixture and hopes for strong fan support.
- Holloway underlines desire to field a strong team despite challenges.
What did Ian Holloway say about Ollie Palmer’s injury status?
As reported by Ian Holloway himself in a direct statement, Ollie Palmer's situation is delicate but progressing cautiously. Holloway explained:
“No, he's not fairly close. He might be starting in training again, but because it was a clean break, it's been five weeks now, he's got to have it assessed again, and then we'll see if we allow him back on the group.”
He also highlighted the severity of the injury, commenting on Ollie’s perseverance:
“It was quite a bad injury that he managed to play on with.”
Additionally, Holloway noted some soreness in Palmer's Achilles tendon, suggesting careful management ahead.
How severe are the squad’s injuries going into the Swindon Town match?
The injury list is a significant concern for Bolton Wanderers as detailed by Holloway. Paul Glatzel was hurt in training “right in the last few minutes” with a hamstring problem, which prevented him from continuing practice. Holloway stated:
“He’s definitely going to be out.”
Darren Oldaker is also “definitely out” due to injury. While Ryan Tafazolli joined training, his match fitness remains uncertain until an assessment the following day. Holloway said:
“We’ve got to wait till tomorrow morning and see how they are Tafazolli and Palmer.”
What impact do injuries have on the team’s December fixtures?
Holloway stressed the importance of managing player fitness carefully throughout the demanding December schedule, which he described as a “wonderful, wonderful challenge.” He added:
“You don't want to be without certain skill sets in certain things that will leave you short. And with Danny Butterworth being out, we lack that sort of flair. Darren’s definitely got that.”
The manager underlined the necessity to be cautious with key players like Ollie Palmer and Ryan Tafazolli to navigate the fixture congestion successfully.
What is Ian Holloway’s plan regarding the squad and substitutes for the upcoming game?
Given the current injury and suspension situation, Holloway has taken precautionary measures by recalling young players to bolster the bench. He said:
“I’ve called a couple of young lads back, because you’re allowed nine subs just to be safe, but if they are no good then I may be one or two short on the bench.”
Suspensions also complicate squad selection, with Fin being unavailable and a potential shortage on the left side if Tafazolli does not recover in time. Despite these hurdles, Holloway assured:
“Whatever I do, we’ll have a good team out there.”
How does Holloway view the quality of the opposition, Swindon Town?
Ian Holloway expressed high regard for Swindon Town and their manager Steven Schumacher. He recalled Schumacher’s longstanding reputation:
“Obviously Steven Schumacher has been around a bit, but I knew he was an excellent coach years and years and years ago when Gordon Bennett rung me up. He was down at Plymouth and said ‘This kid’s fantastic’, and he’s right. Gordon has never been wrong.”
Holloway anticipates a strong challenge, describing Swindon as “a very good team, a very well-coached team,” and a “really tough, good footballing and passing team.”
What is the manager’s outlook for the cup match against Swindon Town?
Holloway highlighted the competitive nature of the cup fixture. He explained the difficulty of the tournament:
“In this competition, people don’t change their squads that much. They try and win, because you could get anybody in a couple of rounds time.”
Expressing optimism and competitive spirit, he said:
“It’d be wonderful if we can win, but we’re up against a really tough team.”
He also expressed hope that the fans will support the team in attendance:
“Hopefully our fans can afford a ticket to come along, because we’re going to try and win.”
Holloway looks forward to a “very good game,” promising an exciting contest.
How is the overall morale and fitness of the Bolton squad ahead of the game?
Despite injuries and suspensions, Holloway is positive about his squad’s morale and preparation.
“I am absolutely delighted with the way things, touch wood, are going, and how they feel about themselves and each other,”
he said. He affirmed confidence in his selection approach:
“We will put a half-decent team together.”
The tone is optimistic, emphasising resilience and teamwork going into the challenging fixture against Swindon Town.