Wanderers may lose a crucial defence duo in January due to international call-ups

Wanderers may lose a crucial defence duo in January due to international call-ups.

Bolton wanderers are on high alert now that they know they may be

without two of their best defenders for as long as six weeks come January 1.

Australia has been observing Gethin Jones and Jack Iredale

in anticipation of calling them up for the AFC Asian Cup,

which begins on January 12 and ends on February 10.

The two uncapped players, who have been Ian Evatt’s mainstays this season,

were given the runaround by Socceroos assistant Rene Meulensteen on Saturday at Bolton.

The Guinea Bissau team that competes in the African Cup of Nations,

which lasts for about the same amount of time,

will undoubtedly include Carlos Mendes Gomes.

The three might miss seven league games if their county also reaches the distance,

depending on how early the squads assemble.

Evatt already knows if he needs to add midfield support for Gomes during the January transfer window,

but if Jones or Iredale are chosen, he now has another defensive consideration to make.

He said to The Bolton News, “Obviously, once we get there,

we will have to make a decision to some extent.”

“We know where we stand with that one,

I believe Carlos is now assured at the African Nations.

“However, we now have a small concern—one we don’t really need

that Australia may call up Geth and Jack for the Asia Cup.

Their helper was keeping an eye on them on Saturday.

“It happens at the same time, six weeks out of January until the second week in February.”

“We’ll need to be quite flexible with it and wait to see what transpires; aside from Carlos,

we haven’t had any confirmation yet.

We just need to be adaptable with everything else and make plans for it now.

Bolton’s season has already been somewhat disrupted by international football,

as two games have been postponed due to call-ups.

However, players participating in the Asian Cup or

African Cup of Nations will not be able to reschedule their appointments.

While happy that his players are receiving praise,

Evatt acknowledges that the timing could be more ideal.

“Well, we could continue the discussion about international competitions

taking place in the middle of the season,

with games still needing to be played and without payment, etc.,

but that is probably a topic for another time, not right now,” he continued.

In the Bristol Street Motors Trophy second round tonight,

Wanderers will play Port Vale in an attempt to build on their outstanding title defence.

Evatt anticipates another difficult match this time around after

Vale presented strong opposition on their home pitch at the end of September.

“During that game, they asked us a lot of questions, especially in the second half,” he remarked.

“They can be a challenging team to play against the ball,

and they recently had a strong performance at Stevenage.

” Because of how they set up and play, they may cause problems. We must be prepared.

“This football club has an obligation to win as many games as we can, and this is no different.”

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