Championship side Bolton Wanderers face an anxious wait to see whether the duo of Will Buckley and Jem Karacan will be fit for their clash with Middlesbrough on Saturday, reports The Bolton News.

Both men were replaced in the Trotters’ 4-0 defeat at Hull City last time out, with former Brighton man Buckley forced off at half time with a hamstring problem, while Turkish star Karacan was on the receiving end of a hefty David Meyler tackle, and was subsequently substituted after just 15 minutes.

Buckley was one of eight summer signings through the door at the Macron Stadium this summer after seeing his contract come to an end at Sunderland, and appeared in three of their opening five league matches this term to suggest that he’s a key feature in Phil Parkinson’s plans.

While former Reading midfielder Karacan signed a contract extension at the club back in May after helping them win promotion from League One last time out, and with five Championship appearances this term, including taking the captain’s armband against Hull, he too is a vital member of the squad at Bolton.

However, recent reports suggest that both men are facing a race to be fit for the visit of Garry Monk’s Middlesbrough on Saturday, as the Trotters return to league action having yet to taste victory in the Championship this term.

And they may have to try and that first win of the campaign without the influential duo of Buckley and Karacan this weekend.

The Verdict: It has been a very tough start to the season for Phil Parkinson and Bolton, with the Trotters winless and bottom of the Championship after five matches.

So news that the duo of Will Buckley and Jem Karacan are facing a battle to get fit ahead of Middlesbrough’s visit on Saturday is likely to further compound their misery, with the squad stretched enough as it is after another summer under a transfer embargo.

It’s probably not the worst time to play Middlesbrough though, given they’ve yet to hit the heights thus far, but the lingering doubts over the duo’s fitness is hardly going to increase the confidence levels around the Macron Stadium.

Bolton fans… what do you make of the news? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!