IAN Evatt says Wanderers will give Gethin Jones “as much time as he needs” following the death of his mother, Karen Jones.

The 56-year-old former midwife passed away on Sunday following a battle with Motor Neurone Disease.

“When one of us is hurting we’re all hurting,” said the Bolton boss. “It’s an absolute tragedy for Gethin and his family.

“Karen was a wonderful woman. The whole Bolton Wanderers family are very sad and obviously our condolences go to him, his dad Gareth and the rest of the family.

“It’s hugely difficult. It gives you a sense of perspective with everything that’s gone on in the world really this past week.

“We’re all very, very sad and Gethin will obviously be missing on Saturday. We’re going to give him as much time as he needs. Some things are bigger than football and we’re all here to support him.”

Evatt also revealed the Whites are set to recall Adam Senior from his loan spell at Chorley to bolster his defensive options while Jones is away.

He added: “We will recall Adam Senior for some more defensive cover on the basis that we’re not going to put Gethin under any type of pressure to come back to work.

“Adam will stay with us for the rest of the season. We’ve made the decision that he’ll come back and the benefit is he’ll be back with us training day-to-day.”

The Bolton boss also revealed that Elias Kachunga has returned to full training after recovering from a thigh injury.

The Whites have no new injury concerns ahead of Saturday’s trip to Gillingham but the game comes too soon for Kachunga.

“Kacha has trained fully for the first time today, so he’s back now. Saturday is probably going to be too soon for him but it’s another body and another option,” said Evatt.

“He trained really well this morning. Everyone else is okay and ready to go.”

Social, newsletters, subscriptions and getting in touch...

You can follow the Bolton News on social media, by joining us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

We also have dedicated Facebook groups on Crime & Court, Traffic & Travel, Nostalgia and our Camera Club page

If you want to make sure you don't miss the most important news stories every day, sign up to one of our free e-mail newsletters 

Gain unlimited access to the Bolton News website with a premium digital subscription

Or if you want the Bolton News newspaper delivered to your door, get in touch with our home delivery team or call us on 0800 953 0227

Finally, have you got a story for us? If so, contact us at newsdesk@theboltonnews.co.uk or by using our online contribution form