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TEAM NEWS: Bolton to make late calls on defensive duo for Huddersfield

Ricardo Santos was absent from the squad in midweek <i>(Image: CameraSport - Lee Parker)</i>
Ricardo Santos was absent from the squad in midweek (Image: CameraSport - Lee Parker)

Wanderers will make late calls on Ricardo Santos and Eoin Toal’s involvement against Huddersfield Town this weekend.

Santos had been playing through an injury and was forced off at half time against Cambridge last weekend. The towering defender was absent from the squad beaten by Charlton in midweek, with Will Forrester slotting into the backline.

Meanwhile, Eoin Toal has only featured once since the end of October due to a hamstring problem. The Northern Irish international had joined in with full training ahead of the Charlton game but didn’t make the squad.

Saturday’s fixture comes too soon for fellow defender Chris Forino, while Kyle Dempsey is a longer-term absentee.

Josh Sheehan returned to the starting line-up against Charlton – the Welshman’s first start in over a month - and Alex Murphy was on the bench following his loan move from Newcastle.

Academy coaches Julian Darby, Andy Taylor and Andrew Tutte oversaw training on Thursday morning as the Whites prepare to take on the Terriers in League One.

“We have had a good training session, the boys were really good,” said Darby. “They have been responsive so far.

“We had a couple of meetings this morning – one with the staff and one with the players – to let them know what was going on and keep them in the loop. At the end of the day, they are really important to what is happening here.”

He added: “I am over on a different side of the training ground normally. I can hear what is going on on the other pitches, and it has always been busy and bright on Thursday and Friday as they prepare for the game on Saturday. It was nothing different today.

“One thing I do emphasise really is train and play with a smile on your face, but you have to give 100 per cent whether it be training or a game.”

Darby confirmed that the team selection for Huddersfield will be a collective process between the trio, who have been entrusted to take temporary charge of the team while the search is carried out for Ian Evatt’s successor.

“It will be a collective,” he explained. “I have just come from the training ground, we have been watching highlights of Huddersfield. Decisions will be made in the morning.”