Injury headache for Bolton boss

Allardyce is looking to secure a place in next season's Uefa Cup

Bolton manager Sam Allardyce is worried that injuries could threaten their hopes of securing a place in Europe.

The Trotters look like being without five players for Bolton's Premiership match against Chelsea on Saturday.

Kevin Nolan (ankle), Nicky Hunt (calf) and El-Hadji Diouf (hamstring), Tal Ben Haim (knee) and Abdoulaye Faye (groin) are all struggling with injuries.

Allardyce said: "The outlook is not looking good in what is the most important period of the season".

Games against West Ham and Aston Villa follow the meeting with Chelsea, and Allardyce is concerned that their quest for a place in the Uefa Cup next season may be threatened.

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He said "With a lack of bodies in the squad we are going to be stretched over the next few weeks. All five players are unlikely to be fit for the weekend."