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Dion Charles is back on the grass and will be assessed ahead of the trip to Barnsley, Ian Evatt has confirmed.
The Northern Irish international hasn’t featured since the 2-1 win against Wycombe after picking up a knee injury.
“Dion has been on the grass today and he is improving all the time,” said Evatt. “We will see how that develops but other than that, we are clear from Saturday.”
The Whites have had a bad run of injury luck since the turn of the year but could, in theory, have a full squad available after the upcoming international break.
George Johnston, who has been out of action since picking up a knee injury during pre-season, has had positive news after meeting with a specialist.
However, it will take time for the defender to build up strength in his quad muscles following such a lengthy lay off.
Dan Nlundulu and Caleb Taylor could both be back for the final run-in. The pair are currently sidelined by hamstring and ankle issues respectively.
Wanderers came up just short at Barnsley in the play-off semi-final last season after finishing fifth in League One.
“The time for judgement is at the end of the season, that is crucial,” Evatt continued. “But we use the word ‘progress’ a lot and that is something we judge ourselves on.
“I think we have been in the top three for the last 23 weeks so we are in an automatic promotion fight. We were never really in it last season so, for me, that is progress.
“There are some huge games coming up and they all count for three points, but obviously against the direct competitions it becomes the proverbial six-pointer.
“We understand the importance of the game but in no way, shape or form should we become fearful about it. We know we have to perform well and if we do, hopefully we can get the result we need.”
It has been a challenging period for the Bolton squad with injuries and fixture congestion.
“We have got four games left of the block that we have discussed within camp before the reset of the international break,” the manager explained.
“I think that is really a key marker for us in terms of where we are at. I do think things are going to get better for us, we have had a really tough period of winter football.
“We have had injuries, suspensions, abandonments etc. Hopefully, the weather and the pitches will improve.
“People will return from injury, we will get some key time on the grass which we haven’t had due to the amount of fixtures.”
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