WANDERERS may have to replace both Thibaud Verlinden AND Liam Bridcutt after both headed back to their parent clubs last night.

Keith Hill confirmed that winger Verlinden would be back in Stoke City colours next weekend as they head to Brentford in the FA Cup.

But the Bolton boss also fears that Bridcutt – who has gone back to Nottingham Forest to have his hamstring injury assessed – could also have options to go out on loan elsewhere.

Wanderers have 10 days before their next league game at Rochdale but after Luke Murphy was sent off in yesterday’s 4-3 home defeat to Burton Albion, now have a major recruitment job on their hands.

“I have been informed that Stoke are recalling Thibaud for the FA Cup,” Hill told The Bolton News. “I am disappointed, of course, but I sort of knew that I wasn’t in control.

“It is the same with Liam Bridcutt. It isn’t my player so it isn’t my say. We brought them in, gave them a home, they have done reasonably well, but they are owned by other clubs. Players find it hard to decide.

“It is something out of my control but we have to address it as and when it happens. It will be difficult but it is not insurmountable.”

Asked whether Bridcutt would be heading back to Forest, he added: “Potentially,” he said. “Liam is obviously injured but he’s a Nottingham Forest player and we have to do our duty of care.

“I would love him to stay but it’s not a situation that I am in control of, unfortunately.”

Jake Wright and Josh Earl also see their loan spells from Sheffield United and Preston North End expire in the next couple of days.

Full-back Adam Chicksen’s contract expires before the Rochdale game but Hill confirmed he would be speaking to the former Bradford City man in the next few days.