WANDERERS’ defensive injury problems have deepened ahead of tomorrow’s derby clash with Preston North End.

It is understood that Jack Hobbs faces a spell on the sidelines with an Achilles problem similar to that which is currently keeping Mark Beevers out of action.

And the situation worsened for Bolton boss Phil Parkinson with the news that full-back Andy Taylor is also likely to miss the game through injury, meaning there will have to be at least two changes to the back four which faced Sheffield United last weekend.

That means Marc Wilson could come into the middle of defence for his first start since the 6-0 defeat at Hull City on New Year’s Day. Jonathan Grounds would be the obvious replacement for Taylor, his last appearance being the 2-1 league defeat at Bristol City on January 12.

Ben Alnwick could potentially make his return in goal after missing the last three games with a back injury but the Preston game is likely to come too soon for Beevers to make his return.

Pawel Olkowski (calf), Joe Williams (thigh) and Yanic Wildschut (ankle) are all definitely ruled out as Wanderers look for their first league win since September.

Wanderers face a crucial week, starting with the visit of North End, followed by a trip to Birmingham City on Tuesday night and then concluding with another home game against current league leaders Norwich City.

New loan recruit Callum Connolly is likely to get his home debut for the Whites tomorrow – and the Everton midfielder is looking forward to the prospect of a busy February.

“My development is one of the reasons that I chose to come to this club, but I’m here to win games and help keep Bolton Wanderers up,” the England Under-21 international told this weekend’s matchday programme.

“The next few months are massive, so we need to keep climbing up the league.

“We have some important games coming up, starting against Preston North End for a local derby and then we’ve got a busy month.

“Our aim is to get the points we need though and we’ll be giving everything we have to do just that.”

Preston are likely to name an unchanged side for the fourth week running but will be without Louis Moult and Callum Robinson (both hamstring) and Billy Bodin and Josh Harrop (both ACL). Keeper Connor Ripley has also damaged an ankle and faces a scan to assess the damage.