Premiership: Bolton face injury crisis

Bolton manager Sam Allardyce is facing an injury crisis ahead of the crucial relegation clash against Fulham tonight.

He could be without five key players at Craven Cottage as the club go in search of the victory that will keep them in the top flight.

Central defender Mike Whitlow picked up a groin injury in the 1-1 draw against Tottenham on Saturday while midfielder Kevin Nolan suffered a hamstring injury.

With Paul Warhurst, Stig Tofting and Ricardo Gardner still injured, Allardyce’s resources are being stretched to the limit.

The one bonus for the Bolton boss is that Greece international Kostas Konstantinidis is free from suspension. He would be an obvious replacement for the experienced Whitlow if he fails to make it.

With Ipswich losing to Arsenal on Sunday, Bolton need two points from their remaining three games to stay up.

But Allardyce knows they will have their work cut out against a Fulham side that chalked up a shock victory at Leeds on Saturday.

‘‘What a place to go and get your first win in 10,’’ he said. ‘‘It keeps the pressure on us all around the 40-points mark.

‘‘Of course I was disappointed to see that result but fair play to them, it was a brilliant victory. They have relieved the pressure on themselves.

‘‘We can almost taste safety but we have three difficult games left. We have to try and get something out of the Fulham game first of all.’’

Should Bolton get the win they crave, chairman Phil Gartside will be one of the first to celebrate.

He said: ‘‘We have had a very exciting season one way or another and the rollercoaster ride has kept us all on our toes.

‘‘It will be a tremendous achievement if we achieve our goal of survival in the Premier League in spite of the doubters from near and far.

‘‘Then we can look back at this season as one of our most successful in recent years.’’

Allardyce may be tempted to continue with the front-line partnership of Dean Holdsworth and Michael Ricketts against Fulham.

They worked well in tandem after replacing Rod Wallace and Fredi Bobic, with Holdsworth getting the equaliser.

Holdsworth said: ‘‘This season has been all about survival and we are nearly there.

‘‘The next step is stability in the Premiership, like Charlton. That’s what we have to work towards.’’