Bolton reeling after tough double-break

BOLTON WANDERERS have lost a second player to a broken leg in a week after Tyrone Mears was badly injured in training yesterday.

With Lee Chung-yong only just beginning his recovery from a fractured right leg sustained in a friendly against Newport last Saturday, new signing Mears has suffered an equally severe injury following an accidental training ground collision.

“It was desperately unlucky for him and we will make sure that he is fully supported in his rehabilitation,” manager Owen Coyle said.

“He will go for a check and an assessment in a month and that will indicate more accurately the timescale for his recovery.”

With Lee ruled out for at least nine months and Stuart Holden missing until the end of September with ruptured cruciate ligaments, it is the worst possible pre-season news for the Trotters and leaves Coyle pondering his options. He must now decide whether to expand his summer transfer targets beyond the strikers he still feels are required, although there is no intention to try and recruit Joey Barton, who has been made available on a free by Newcastle.

“Joey Barton is a fantastic player but it is not an area we are looking to strengthen,” said Coyle.

However Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has revealed it is possible Barton, was made available on a free transfer in response to his continued criticism of the club on Twitter, may yet have a future at the club.

“I’ve never closed the door on anyone and I’m not closing the door on Joey,” Pardew said.

“Joey is a great player and you want great players in your team.

“I’m still reflecting on the situation, as is Joey at this present time, on how best to resolve this issue. I think that is important at the moment.”