OWEN Coyle could wield the axe further to end Wanderers’ slump.

Bolton hit rock bottom following Saturday’s 3-0 defeat against Arsenal at the Emirates.

A fifth Premier League defeat in a row means they have now won just twice in 12 league games since April.

Coyle dropped captain Kevin Davies for the first time in the top flight since December 2008 in a bid to halt the alarming dip in form.

Dedryck Boyata and Tuncay were also left out as the Wanderers manager made five changes from the side which lost at home to Norwich the previous week.

And Coyle is not afraid to drop more bombshells for Sunday’s clash with Chelsea at the Reebok.

“If I had everyone fit, I’d have made some even bigger calls,” he said.

Zat Knight could have been one of those to have joined Davies on the substitutes’ bench at the weekend had Gary Cahill not been a late withdrawal.

Fabrice Muamba or Darren Pratley’s place would also have been under threat had Coyle not felt two games in five days had been too much for Stuart Holden following his return from a serious knee injury in the midweek Carling Cup win at Aston Villa.

Midfielder Holden looks certain to start against Chelsea to hand Coyle a much-needed boost while David Ngog, who was forced off after 20 minutes with concussion, is expected to be given the all clear.

But David Wheater will be missing after picking up a one-match ban for his red card against Arsenal, Ivan Klasnic is also suspended and on-loan Gael Kakuta is ineligible to play against his parent club.

Coyle will watch Stefano Magnasco in a behind-closed-doors game on Tuesday before making a decision on whether to sign the 18-year-old Chilean.

The Universidad Catolica right-back has been on a two-week trial at the Reebok.