When asked about his top scorer and first-choice goalkeeper—who hasn’t played since the first half of February—the Bolton boss did not mince words.
When asked about the encouraging signs that emerged from the camp during the international break—which included video of Charles working out with Northern Ireland—his response was unexpectedly straightforward.
With a dozen words that sent off a dozen distinct internet rumors, he added, “They are not available, and that is all I want to say.”
We won’t be able to determine whether mind games are being played until the team sheets are turned in at Lamex Stadium on Friday. However, Evatt’s behavior late on Wednesday afternoon did not reflect a manager attempting to outdo his rival, Steve Evans; rather, it showed a guy who was unhappy with the hand he had been dealt.
Charles was briefly mentioned once more later in the press conference when it was being discussed whether or not the additional time he had been able to spend with players over the past two weeks had been as beneficial as he had hoped.
He remarked, “I have really enjoyed getting back out there on the grass with them.” The international call-ups have shrunk our group, so we haven’t been able to accomplish everything we would have liked to, but we have still done a great job and the players are doing well.
“Luckily for us, aside from Dion, the players who have returned from overseas duty have done so in good health, which is extremely important considering the squad’s current state of strain.”
Anderers are without George Johnston, who is unlikely to be tried this season despite having returned to full training following a knee surgery. Dan Nlundulu, a striker, is also absent due to hamstring surgery.
Caleb Taylor, a West Brom loanee, is improving and might play in the upcoming weeks. Calvin Ramsay, of Liverpool, is also back available following a minor hamstring injury.
With a hamstring ailment, Victor Adeboyejo is still recovering, and Carlos Mendes Gomes underwent surgery to repair his ruptured Achilles tendon.
Evatt has every right to be a little grumpy given the absence of a sizable portion of his team, but he also has confidence in the players who have managed to stay healthy to help the team secure second place if they can maintain their level of play before the break, even though he is hoping for better results.
“We are in good form even though we have players missing,” he continued. “The players are beginning to resemble themselves once more, and if there have been setbacks recently, there have also been gains to be grateful for.
“If we can maintain that caliber and refine a few things once more, we’ll be a formidable team to overcome.”
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