Bolton Wanderers vs Sunderland - Phil Parkinson set to make changes

Posted Tuesday, February 20, 2018 by PA

Bolton boss Phil Parkinson will have to make changes for Tuesday night’s crucial Sky Bet Championship clash with fellow strugglers Sunderland.

Full-back Mark Little begins a three-match ban following his dismissal at QPR on Saturday, a game which saw midfielder Josh Vela leave Loftus Road wearing a protective boot after suffering an ankle injury.

Parkinson has a series of other knocks with which to contend and could be ready to ring the changes.

Darren Pratley travelled to QPR but did not make the final 18 after recovering from a cracked fibula, while Aaron Wilbraham (calf), Will Buckley (hamstring) and Craig Noone (knee) all back in training and Liverpool loanee Jon Flanagan is also back in contention.

Sunderland manager Chris Coleman will have Lamine Kone and Paddy McNair available after they stepped up their respective bids for match fitness.

Bryan Oviedo could also return after being left out of the 18 for Saturday’s 2-0 home defeat by Brentford, although he is recovering from a bout of illness.

Loan signing Ovie Ejaria missed the Brentford game because of a knock, and Coleman will make a late decision on him.

However, Kazenga LuaLua is out with an ankle problem and joins long-term absentees Robbin Ruiter, Marc Wilson, Darron Gibson and Duncan Watmore on the sidelines.