Wanderers boss Ian Evatt has confirmed that Ricardo Santos is available for Saturday’s trip to Port Vale.

The skipper was absent from the squad for last night’s 5-1 win against Salford City in the Carabao Cup and has been dealing with a foot problem.

But Evatt says his condition is improving and revealed that the centre-back will be ready for the trip to Vale Park.

“He’s alright,” said the Bolton chief. “Anyone that’s had that will know it’s not nice, but it’s not as bad as what it was last week.

“It is improving all the time. He’s trained fully today so he’ll be fine for the weekend.”

Declan John was brought off at half-time against the Ammies due to sickness, with Jack Iredale coming on in his place.

“He was vomiting all last night, so he is obviously poorly with the virus. He has been off today and we will know more tomorrow,” Evatt added.

Jon Dadi Bodvarsson also came off against Salford and the Bolton boss says he is still playing catch up after a few niggles impacted his pre-season preparations.

“He was just tired,” the manager explained. “I have said before, during pre-season he has had a bit of disruption.

“He has had small injuries, not enough to keep him out for any length of time, but enough to affect his physical work.

“He is still trying to catch up on everybody else. But as I said, our pressing strategy starts with our forwards and it is hard work, but they get the rewards on the back of it.

“It will be very rare that you see any centre forward play 90 minutes for me this season just because of what is required and the fact that we have got some great options and can utilise five subs.”

Dion Charles remains sidelines by a thigh strain but summer signing Eoin Toal has stepped up his recovery from an ankle issue, which he played through during his final match for Derry City.

“Everyone is fine and healthy and in one piece, apart from Dion who is making great progress,” said Evatt.

“Eoin Toal is out on the grass now making good progress. Izzy (Lloyd Isgrove) and Josh (Sheehan) will play their first game next week. They are making great progress, so at the moment things look okay.

“Declan’s obviously poorly last night, but these types of bugs normally only last for 24 hours so it suggests he’ll be okay for the weekend as well. All systems go.”